Enterprise Ireland has launched a new Competitive Start Fund to support startup activity in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, offering €500,000 in funding.
Each successful applicant will receive equity funding of €50,000.
Now in its second year, the purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to stimulate growth for start-up companies working in areas of agriculture and manufacturing that have the capability to succeed in global markets.
The fund is designed to enable those companies to reach key commercial and technical milestones, that will ensure delivery of their product or service to an international audience.
The resource is open to applications from individuals, early-stage companies or prospective businesses operating in the agri-business sector including, but not limited to:
In Association with
- Machine design and manufacturing
- Fabrication
- Engineering and technical activities
- Life science products
- Farm related software and related services
- Vet-pharma, animal health and chemical products
Start-up food companies with potential to export are also encouraged to apply.
Launching the fund today, jobs minister, Mary Mitchell O'Connor said: “A priority for the government is to help Irish entrepreneurs grow their business and the €500,000 fund, will go towards supporting the next generation of Irish agri-businesses and manufacturers to compete in export markets, creating valuable jobs throughout Ireland.”
Anne Lanigan, Manager, High Potential Start-Ups, Enterprise Ireland said: “The Competitive Start Fund is part of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for increasing the number and quality of high potential start-up companies that have the potential to employ more than 10 and achieve €1 million in export sales within three years.”
For the third year running, Enterprise Ireland has teamed up with the National Ploughing Association and the Farmers Journal to recognise and reward outstanding innovation in the agricultural sector during the National Ploughing Championship, which takes place from the 20 – 22 September 2016 in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Enterprise Ireland representatives will be based at the Innovation Arena at the Ploughing Championship. They will be on hand to provide information and to answer any questions from potential applicants and entrepreneurs about the Competitive Start Fund.
The Enterprise Ireland Fund will open for submissions on Wednesday 21 September and will close at 3pm Wednesday 5 October, 2016.
Full details on the Competitive Start Fund, including the application form can be accessed on the Enterprise Ireland website www.enterprise-ireland.com/agricsf
