It was announced today that Enterprise Ireland’s first Competitive Start Fund (CSF) of the year will open to all sectors for applications on Tuesday 23rd January.

The €750,000 fund will provide up to €50,000 in equity funding for up to 15 successful applicants. The fund closes to applications at 3pm on Tuesday, 6th February 2018.

The fund aims to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. It is designed to enable those companies to reach key commercial and technical milestones, including evaluating overseas market opportunities, building prototypes, developing market entry plans and securing third party investment.

Applications from individuals, early stage companies or prospective businesses active in the manufacturing & internationally traded services sectors, particularly within ICT, are invited. The following subsectors are included: Internet, Games, Apps, Mobile, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Cleantech and Industrial Products. 

Welcoming the announcement today, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys said, "I’m delighted to see that the rates of early stage entrepreneurship in Ireland have returned to pre-recession levels, but in order to grow our levels of start-up activity, supports like Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund are vital. As well as crucial funding, the CSF provides valuable business support and networking opportunities to innovative entrepreneurs and companies at the start of their journey." 

Source: www.businessworld.ie