€200,000 Enterprise Ireland fund to boost new business start-up activity in West Region

Taoiseach launches Competitive Feasibility Fund

The Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD, today (Monday 17 September 2012) launched the new Enterprise Ireland €200,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund for the West Region.  This fund, which can provide up to €25,000 per project, is aimed at boosting start ups and creating jobs and growth in the West.  It is now open for applications from entrepreneurs in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, and will remain open until Wednesday 17 October 2012

The Taoiseach made the announcement as part of the entrepreneurship and business activities taking place during Mayo Ideas Week 2012.

The Competitive Feasibility Fund is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs explore the feasibility of start-up ideas with job-creating potential for the West.  Its particular focus is on growth-oriented businesses with the potential to move into export markets over time.

Making the announcement, the Taoiseach said:  ‘This Fund is all about  helping innovative and enthusiastic individual entrepreneurs or new start-up companies to develop the high growth businesses that will create the jobs of the future for the West Region.  It is a tremendous initiative for anyone wanting to start up and grow an ambitious company.  I urge people with strong job-creation potential to come forward and compete for the funds available.  This is exactly the type of thing that Mayo Ideas Week is trying to encourage’.

Barry Egan – Director West Region at Enterprise Ireland said: ‘If you have a new business idea and you are based in Galway, Mayo or Roscommon, then the Competitive Feasibility Fund could help you get started. Enterprise Ireland has a range of supports to help ambitious entrepreneurs develop businesses with international potential and this Fund gives a much welcome boost to these entrepreneurs. If you are a potential entrepreneur or very early stage business with your eyes on international growth, we encourage you to review details of the scheme …it might be just what you have been looking for to test the viability of commercialising your idea’.

Full details of the Fund including the Application Form are available on the Enterprise Ireland website:www.enterprise-ireland.com/cffwest

The closing date for applications is 6.00pm on Wednesday 17 October 2012.