Enterprise Ireland has launched a new €200,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund that’s specifically targeted at helping grow new start-ups and creating jobs in the midlands region, covering the counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
John Perry, TD, the Minister for Small Business, has launched the €200,000 fund, which will provide up to €25,000 per project and is now open for applications.
According to the Government’s enterprise agency, the Competitive Feasibility Fund is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs that have ideas for start-ups with the potential to create jobs in the midlands.
Enterprise Ireland said the fund will particularly hone in on growth-oriented businesses that have the scope to move into export markets down the line.
It said the fund is open to applications from start-up ideas that cover the ICT, industrial and food sectors, including the sub-sectors that encompass gaming, software-as-a-service, cloud computing, enterprise software, telecoms, life sciences, clean-tech and industrial products.
The aim of the funding will be to help entrepreneurs determine the project’s viability and set out investor-ready plans for developing and commercialising their products or services.
“This fund will support entrepreneurs and start-up companies to develop innovative ideas into high-growth businesses that will create jobs in the midlands region,” said Perry.
Enterprise Ireland will be accepting applications for the Competitive Feasibility Fund until 30 November.
Start-up image via Shutterstock
