CSF offers €50,000 prizes in equity funding

ENTERPRISE Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund (CSF) has opened to applications for two competitions.

Each of the two €1m funding competitions being launched will provide a successful business applicant up to €50,000 in equity funding.

The two CSFs will approve up to 40 business investments.

The ‘All Sector’ CSF and ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ CFS competitions are part of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for increasing the number of diverse high potential start-up companies (HPSUs) that have the qualities to achieve several commercial and technical milestones.

These milestones including evaluating overseas market opportunities, building prototypes, developing market entry plans and securing third party investment, according to a statement from the State body.

Those applying for funding

Milestones include evaluating overseas market opportunities, building prototypes

must be active in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors.

In addition, applications are invited from eligible companies that offer services or solutions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate action.

Manager of Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU division, Jennifer Melia said: “In an increasingly difficult business environment, the provision of Enterprise Ireland’s funding and advisory supports for manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors has never been more important to enable companies to innovate and pivot, in order to survive and progress as we navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Under the ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ call for applications, as well as securing up to €50,000 in funding the successful businesswomen will be offered the opportunity to participate in Dublin BIC’s ‘Innovate Accelerator programme’.

Delivered over a 12-week period, the programme is designed to support and mentor participants in the development of their business.

It also helps businesswomen in developing a peer network.

Both funds will close to applicants on August 18.