Taoiseach launches €200,000 Feasibility Fund for west

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has launched the new Enterprise Ireland €200,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund for the West Region.

The Fund, which can provide up to €25,000 per initiative, is aimed at stimulating innovative start-ups and creating jobs and growth in the region.

The Fund is now open for applications from entrepreneurs and early stage start-up companies in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, and will close at 3pm on Tuesday, October 20.

The purpose of the Competitive Feasibility Fund is to enable the promoter to assess the viability and the market potential of their business idea.

Through the Fund, Enterprise Ireland is seeking to support business ideas that are likely to achieve significant growth within three to four years, with sales of €1m+ per annum and employment of ten or more.

“At the heart of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and early stage businesses to start, grow, win sales in export markets and create jobs,” the Taoiseach said.

“Competitive Feasibility Funds are all about helping innovative entrepreneurs or new start-up companies to develop businesses that will create jobs in every region in Ireland.

“If you are a potential entrepreneur or early stage business with your eyes on international markets, and you are based in Galway, Mayo or Roscommon, then this Competitive Feasibility Fund can help you get started,” he added.

The Fund is open to individuals, early-stage companies or prospective businesses involved in manufacturing and internationally traded services, including sectors such as Internet, Games, Apps, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Beverages, Consumer Products, Industrial Products, Engineering, Medical Devices and e-Health.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.