12 October 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD officially announced the launch of a €200,000 Enterprise Ireland Competitive Feasibility Fund for entrepreneurs and early stage start-up companies in the Cork region today (Wednesday). The fund, which is a key measure of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, is aimed at stimulating businesses by providing up to €25,000 in funding to each successful applicant.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said: “I am delighted to officially announce a new €200,000 Enterprise Ireland Competitive Feasibility Fund for the Cork region today. The purpose of this fund is to help develop and support new or early stage businesses, which will in turn stimulate the creation of new jobs. As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I am committed to job creation in all regions across rural Ireland and this fund will go a long way to helping businesses grow and expand in this region.”
The fund is open to individuals, early-stage companies, or prospective businesses involved in manufacturing and internationally traded services in sectors such as Internet, Games, Apps, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Beverages, Consumer Products, Industrial Products, Engineering, Medical Devices and e-Health.
“A priority for Enterprise Ireland is to help Irish entrepreneurs and companies to start up. The purpose of this fund is to give successful applicants the ability to assess the viability and market potential of their business ideas. Enterprise Ireland is seeking to support business ideas that are likely to achieve significant growth within three to four years, with sales of €1 million per annum and employment of 10 or more people,” said Martin Corkery, Regional Manager – Cork, Enterprise Ireland.
“Eligible applications for funding will be considered on a competitive basis and short-listed. All shortlisted companies will then present their idea to a panel in the Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen. The subsequent support, if awarded, will be determined by that panel,” he added.
A brief Information Session on applying for this Competitive Feasibility Fund will be held on Thursday, 20th October, in Enterprise Ireland’s Cork Office. To register for this event please contact Jacqui Norton at jacqui.norton@enterprise-ireland.com or 021-4800228 for further information.
Applications for funding will open on Thursday, 13 October 2016 and will close at 3pm on Thursday, 27 October 2016. Entrepreneurs and early stage start-up companies from across the Cork region are encouraged to apply. Presentations by shortlisted candidates will take place at the Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen, on Friday, 11th November 2016.
Applications must be submitted online via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System, www.enterpriseireland.com
