The development of enterprise centers as a physical demonstration of local economic activity has been high on the Northside Partnership's list of priorities since 1991. There are now 42 units in 3 centres in the Partnership's catchment area.

During 1993-1994 a small business incubator centre was opened in Coolock. The business units in this centre were quickly occupied and it became apparent that there was a need to develop further small business units in the community.

A review of the accommodation needs of small businesses in the area commissioned by the Partnership revealed that ‘second phase' space was required in order to allow such companies to grow and remain in the Partnership area.
  

This led to a joint initiative between the Northside Partnership, Enterprise Ireland, Dublin City Enterprise Board, and Dublin City Council. The Coolock Development Council, a community-based organisation, led this project. In February 2003, An Tanaiste Mary Harney TD officially opened a 12,000 square feet enterprise centre with 22 units in Coolock, at a cost of 2.3 million euro.

In order to provide these facilities at an affordable rate to local entrepreneurs, the services at the enterprise centres are provided in the main by people who are either in Community Employment or on a Job Initiative. In addition, two community businesses were established under the FAS Social Economy Programmes to provide a professional range of services to the centre and its tenants.