Innovation fund event to take place in Wexford

WEXFORD County Council will be hosting a promotional event this week to highlight the new RD&I and Agile Innovation Fund (AIF) which is now available to local businesses through Wexford Local Development.

The seminar will take place on Thursday, September 27, in the Maldron Hotel at Barntown.

The AIF is specifically targeted at smaller businesses which have shorter product life cycle and which need to develop their products quickly.

There is funding available for elements of production such as prototype development and consultancy services.

In a report presented to members of the local authority the Chief Executive Officer of the County Council, Tom Enright, said the fund presents an opportunity to help businesses be innovative and respond to challenges presented as a result of Brexit.

As part of the application process Enterprise Ireland will do an initial assessment based on an online two-page proposal. Once eligibility has been ascertained the applicant will be then invited to make a full submission.

While the fund is aimed at small businesses expressions of interest will be accepted from businesses with more than 10 employees and there is Agile funding available up to €150,000.

The seminar in the Maldron Hotel will get under way at 8.30 a.m. and is expected to continue until midday.