16 Jul, 2021

Ifac Funding Friday

Every Friday our Food and Agribusiness team brings to you the latest government grants and schemes that you can avail of. This is to help you and your business navigate through the challenging times that we are currently facing.

Week 68 – Strategic Consultancy Grant – Enterprise Ireland

The aim of the Strategic Consultancy Grant is to support the cost of hiring a strategic consultant who can act as a coach, mentor, facilitator, analyst, negotiator and/or operator for the company to facilitate business growth.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Must be a manufacturing or internationally traded services SME company

  • Must employ between 10 and 249 people

  • The business must not be eligible to receive the support applied for from An Bord Bia or An Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Funding available:

  • Up to 50% of the costs incurred in hiring a consultant to a maximum grant amount of €35,000

Level of funding:

  • Max consultancy rate is €900 per day

  • Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis and will depend on;

    • The merits of providing grant support to the activity set out in the application

    • The need for financial support

    • Previous funding provided to the company

    • Potential for employment and sales growth

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 67 – Capital Investment Initiative (CII) – Enterprise Ireland

The Capital Investment Initiative can be used by companies who are looking to improve productivity and competitiveness through the acquisition of new capital equipment and technology. Alongside capital equipment, the fund can also be used to support a digitalisation journey by investing in newer technologies and increased automation.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a manufacturing and/or an internationally traded services company

  • Have a minimum of 10 full time employees in Ireland

  • Been generating sales for at least 5 years

  • Must be EBITDA positive in the previous accounting period

Funding available:

  • The fund provides grant support up to a maximum of €250,000

Eligible assets:

  • New or second-hand equipment (second-hand equipment must be less than 7 years old and more than €10,000 in value)

  • Computers and perpetual software licenses used in the production process

Ineligible assets:

  • Expenditure on buildings, building modifications, mobile assets, transport and office equipment

  • Consultancy

  • Investment in training and salaries

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 66 – Innovation Arena – Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Association

Once again this year’s Innovation Arena awards competition will be held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s focus for the awards is “Innovation for a green future”. The competition delivers recognition of innovative and entrepreneurial activity.

Ifac are excited to continue as the official sponsor of the Best Newcomer Award in 2021, with StrongBó Agritech claiming the award in 2020 and HerdEye securing the award in 2019.

Closing date for applications:

  • Wednesday 30 June 2021

How to enter:

  • Complete a 250 word description of your company and the specialisation that your innovation solves.

  • These entries will then be shortlisted by Enterprise Ireland to move on to the second stage, with an in-depth look at the innovation and an online pitch to the judges.

Awards available:

  • 12 awards with a total prize fund of €10,000.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Companies with a working prototype or finished product can enter under any of the relevant categories.

Application form:

  • The application form can be found by clicking here.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 65 – Enter the Eurozone – Enterprise Ireland and the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT Berilin)

With Europe being one of the world’s most dynamic, prosperous and stable markets and offering significant and untapped opportunities for Irish companies, the Enter the Eurozone programme helps businesses to take advantage of these opportunities.

Application Deadline:

Thursday 24 June 2021

Programme Content:

  • Phase 1, Dublin or Online – Start Day

    • Start your journey with Enterprise Ireland Market Advisors, Business Advisors from IMS Marketing and training from ESMT Berlin.

  • Phase 2, Online – Market Intel

    • Market Intelligence to drive your choice of country and approach.

  • Phase 3, Berlin or Online (TBD) – Preparation

  • Ambition, Vision, Value Proposition, People and Financial Resources.

  • Phase 4, Amsterdam or Online (TBD) – Execution

    • Sales Channels, Route to Market and Multi-Cultural Trading.

  • Phase 5, Dublin or Online – Finale

    • Market Entry Plan presentations and peer feedback. First steps to implementation.

Programme Cost:

  • The subsidised cost of the programme is €1,490 per company (excl. VAT) and covers the CEO and one senior colleague.

How to apply:

  • Click here and complete the application form.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 64 – Innovation Arena – Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Association

Once again this year’s Innovation Arena awards competition will be held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s focus for the awards is “Innovation for a green future”. The competition delivers recognition of innovative and entrepreneurial activity.

Ifac are excited to continue to be the official sponsor of the Best Newcomer Award in 2021, with StrongBó Agritech claiming the award in 2020.

Closing date for applications:

  • Wednesday 30 June 2021

How to enter:

  • Complete a 250 word description of your company and the specialisation that your innovation solves.

  • These entries will then be shortlisted by Enterprise Ireland to move on to the second stage, with an in-depth look at the innovation and an online pitch to the judges.

Awards available:

  • 12 awards with a total prize fund of €10,000.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Companies with a working prototype or finished product can enter under any of the relevant categories.

Application form:

  • The application form can be found by clicking here.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 63 – The Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund – European Commission and the EUIPO

The Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund is a €20million grant scheme which has been created to help European SMEs access their intellectual property rights. The fund is supported by the European Commission and the EUIPO and is aimed at businesses that wish to develop their IP strategies and protect their IP rights, at national, regional or EU level.

Funding Available:

  • Up to €1,500

Closing dates:

  • There are 2 windows remaining for applications. These are:

    • Window 4: 1 July 2021 – 31 July 2021

    • Window 5: 1 September 2021 – 30 September 2021

  • Applications made outside these periods won’t be considered.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Your enterprise must fit the official EU definition of a SME.

Eligible Expenditure:

  • There are two services that can be funded through this scheme. They are:

    • Service 1: Up to 75% support for IP pre-diagnostic service (IP scan). This service can help you decide what IP rights to apply for, how to develop your IP portfolio if you already have registered rights and it will help you to formulate your IP-strategy for the future.

    • Service 2: Up to 50% off your trade mark and design application. If you are considering registering a trade mark or a design at either EU, regional or national level, this service could be for you.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 62 – Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC) – Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

***Update***

The Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC) was introduced to support businesses which are not eligible for the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS) or other sector specific grants.

The eligibility for the SBASC has now been extended to include businesses which operate from a non-rateable premise like a home business or yard. Closing date for applications to Phase 2 of the SBASC is 21st July 2021.

Funding Available:

  • Up to €4,000 to help with fixed costs.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Turnover must be down 75% or more due to Covid-19.

  • Business must not be eligible for the CRSS or other sector specific grants.

  • Business must intend on re-opening when possible.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 61 – Ready for Customs grant – Enterprise Ireland

The Ready for Customs grant scheme has been developed to assist businesses to increase their capacity to manage the customs process since 1st January 2021.

Funding Available:

  • A grant of €9,000 is available to support the recruitment or redeployment of a full-time employee into a dedicated customs role.

  • A grant of €4,500 is available to support the recruitment or redeployment of a part-time employee into a dedicated customs role.

Eligibility Criteria:

Funding is available to companies that are;

  • Providing freight, haulage, logistics services to, from or through the UK or

  • Providing customs intermediary services or

  • Directly engaged in the movement of goofs with or through the UK.

How to apply:

  • Applications must be submitted to Enterprise Ireland through the EI on-line portal and the new closing date is 31 August 2021.

  • The fund is a limited fund and early applications are encouraged.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 60 – Agile Innovation Fund – Enterprise Ireland

The Agile Innovation Fund has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to support the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes. Funding is available to companies who are new to R&D, operating in short, product life cycles and undertaking small / short projects.

Eligibility companies:

  • Companies that are trading with positive EBITDA

Eligible costs:

  • Existing staff costs / New staff costs

  • Overheads

  • Materials

  • Consultancy

  • Travel & subsistence

  • Certification and clinical trials

Funding available:

  • Funding varies depending on the size of the company and the purpose for the funding.

  • R&D projects grant rates are 45%, 35% and 25% for small, medium and large companies respectively, with a maximum grant of €150,000.

  • Business Innovation Projects are eligible for 50% grant rate, with a maximum grant of €150,000.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 59 – Competitive Start Fund – Enterprise Ireland

The Competitive Start Fund has been developed to help accelerate the growth of early stage start-up companies. It is available to companies which are in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector.

Closing date:

Funding available:

  • The maximum level of support is €50,000, for 10% in ordinary shares.

  • The funding will be released in two equal tranches of €25,000 (5% in ordinary shares for each tranche).

Eligibility criteria:

  • Must be a manufacturing or trading services business operating in the relevant industrial sector(s)

  • Must not have received equity funding of more than €150,000.

  • Prior to the competition closing date must be pre-trading or recently commenced trading and does not have revenues in excess of €100,000 om the current financial year to date or in any previous financial year.

  • If the enterprise is an existing company, the company must be less than 3 years old.

  • Must be capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising sales of €1m within 3 years.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 58 – Evolve Strategic Planning Grant – Enterprise Ireland

The Evolve Strategic Planning Grant has been designed to support Enterprise Ireland clients to adapt to the challenges and opportunities that have arisen since 1st January 2021. This might involve: researching opportunities as the market evolves and changes, exploring the product and service innovation elements of the business, exploring approaches to optimise supply chains, strengthening financial and currency management and scenario planning for markets over the next 2-3 years.

Funding available:

  • Up to 50% of eligible expenditure to a maximum of €5,000

Eligibility criteria:

  • Be an SME or large company

  • Be actively trading

  • Be engaged in eligible activities

  • Have been impacted by Brexit.

Eligible costs:

  • Fees of external consultants to cover the following areas: Strategy, market development, innovation, operations, people and finance.

  • Employee international travel and travel expenses related to the research project.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 57The Climate Enterprise Action Fund – Enterprise Ireland and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Climate Enterprise Action Fund has been developed to help companies reduce emissions and help to embed sustainability in how they work. The fund will be administered by Enterprise Ireland.

Funding available:

  • There is a total of €10m which will fund up to 850 companies at an early stage of exploring climate and sustainability.

Additional Information

  • The fund will allow companies to develop a high-level company action plan, which will allow them to measure their carbon footprint and identify projects leading to reduced emissions and greater resource efficiency.

  • The fund will fund up to 100 more advanced companies to develop comprehensive multi-annual business plans with climate change and sustainability actions.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 56 – THRIVE Europe Challenge – SVG Ventrues

The THRIVE Europe Challenge was developed to help recognise and promote key early and late stage start-up innovators across Europe. Agri-Food Tech companies whose technologies are driving us towards a more efficient, sustainable, and secure agricultural future are encouraged to apply. Companies should be Seed to Series A with technologies focused in the following areas:

  • Farm Management Software, Sensing, and IOT

  • Big Data & Predictive Analytics

  • Animal Health & Livestock

  • Indoor Farming

  • Robotics & Automation

  • Biotechnology

  • Supply Chain Management & Traceability

  • Food safety

  • Innovative Food (ingredient innovation)

  • Packaging & Freshness solutions

The winner will receive the THRIVE Europe Challenge Award and advance to the finals of the award-winning THRIVE Accelerator Program with the opportunity to be selected for the THRIVE VIII cohort in Silicon Valley. The winner will also receive automatic acceptance as a Samsung XTC Finalist. Selected companies will benefit from a 3-month virtual and in-person accelerator program that provides investment, direct access to the largest agrifood companies and farmers located in the Salinas and Central California growing regions, mentorship from top industry leaders & press and media spotlight via Demo Day at the Forbes AgTech Summit.

To register your interest today visit: https://airtable.com/shrrGsLMTS1N9WijA

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 55 – Innovation Arena Awards – Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Association

The Innovation Arena Awards are held to showcase new products and solutions for the agricultural sector. The event is usually held at the National Ploughing Championships but will remain online for 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s particular area of interest is innovation for a green future in agriculture.

Prizes available:

  • There are 12 prizes available, with a €5,000 cash prize for each of the winners of the Best Startup Award and the Overall Award.

ifac are delighted to once again be an official sponsor of the Best Newcomer Award 2021, with StrongBó Agritech claiming the award in 2020.

Closing date:

  • The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 30 June, 2021.

Innovators from the following industry sectors are encouraged to enter:

  • Dairy and dry-stock farming

  • Horticulture

  • Information and communication technology

  • Cloud and mobile based software

  • Animal health and genetics

  • Water and waste management

  • Environment and clean-tech

  • Animal and farm management

  • Farm safety and leading research.

How to apply:

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 54 – Food Academy programme – Bord Bia, The Local Enterprise Office and SuperValu

The Food Academy Programme is an initiative  which has been created to help develop Ireland’s artisan food industry. The programme is tailored for early to mid-stage food business owners. Following the workshops and mentoring, you will have the opportunity to pitch to SuperValu store owners to get your product on their shelves.

Closing date for application:

  • 26th of April 2021

Contact information:

Timeline for next steps:

  • The programme starts in September 2021 and consists of 10 online half day workshops plus 2 mentor sessions

  • Opportunity to pitch to SuperValu store owners in February 2022

  • If successful, products on shelf May 2022

Programme objectives:

  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of the tools which can be used to assess market gaps for your product

  • Understand core technical issues facing your food or drink business

  • Learn how to grow sales for your product range through better branding and packaging design

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 53 – Amazon Bootcamp: Ireland – Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Nation

The Amazon Bootcamp: Ireland has been developed to educate business owners on how to get their business online, sell their products on the Amazon stores, send their products to customers, export their products and scale operations.

Delivery of the Bootcamp:

  • Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 of April from 9am to 12:30pm.

  • This equals 7 hours of learning time.

  • At the end of the bootcamp you will receive a certificate showing that you completed the course.

Cost:

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 52 – Green for Micro – Local Enterprise Ireland

The Green for Micro programme is a new free initiative from the Local Enterprise Office which has been developed to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The business is a micro-enterprise with up to ten employees

  • Turnover is in excess of €30,000

  • The business is trading in excess of 6 months.

Support Available:

  • 2 days of mentoring with a specialist Green Consultant.

Benefits of developing a “greener” policy:

  • Increased cost savings

  • Improved resource efficiency

  • Reduced environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions

  • Opportunities for higher and additional value on products and services

  • Increased access to customers, improved corporate image

  • Increased resilience to climate change impacts.

Steps to apply:

  1. Watch the Lunch & Learn Green Webinar: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Green

  2. Fill in the application form available here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/green/how-to-apply

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 51 – Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) – Government of Ireland

***Closing date for applications is 21 April 2021***

The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) has been developed to assist businesses who were not eligible for alternative support schemes. Applications should be made to the Local Authority with the closing date for receipt of applications being 21 April 2021.

Funding Available:

  • Eligible businesses will receive a payment of €4,000 for Quarter 1 of 2021.

  • There will be a second payment of €4,000 for businesses continuing to meet the criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Minimum turnover of €50,000.

  • Employ less than 250 people.

  • The business is not eligible for CRSS, the Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity Scheme, or the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Live Performance Support.

  • The business operates from a building, or similar fixed physical structure on which business rates are payable.

  • The business must have a current eTax Clearance Certificate from the Revenue Commissioners.

  • The turnover of the business over the claim period is estimated to be no more than 25% of the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019.

  • The business intends to resume trading in full once Government restrictions are eased.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 50 – Business Expansion Grant – Local Enterprise Office

The Business Expansion Grant has been designed to assist a business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period. The Business Expansion Grant can be granted to sole traders, partnerships or limited companies once they meet the qualifying criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Located and operating within the LEO geographic area.

  • A business, which, on growth, will have the capacity to progress to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio.

  • A business employing up to 10 employees.

  • A manufacturing or internationally traded service business.

  • A domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally.

Funding Available:

  • The maximum Business Expansion Grant payable shall be 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.

Eligible Expenditure:

  • Capital items.

  • Salary costs.

  • Consultancy / Innovation / Marketing costs

  • General overhead costs

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.

Week 49 – Priming Grants – Local Enterprise Office

A Priming Grant is available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up. They may be available for sole traders, partnerships or limited companies once they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • A business which on growth will fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio.

  • A business employing up to 10 employees.

  • A manufacturing or internationally traded services business.

  • A domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally.

  • Need for money and having regard to deadweight and displacement.

Funding Available:

  • The maximum Priming Grant payable shall be 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.

Eligible Expenditure:

  • Capital items.

  • Salary costs.

  • Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs.

  • General overhead costs.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 48 – High Potential Start-up (HPSU) Feasibility Grant – Enterprise Ireland (EI)

The purpose of the HPSU Feasibility Grant is to aid early stage companies to investigate how viable their new export orientated business or proposition is. The study is carried out to provide Enterprise Ireland with the necessary information to help them determine the viability of the business.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • A company which is based on an innovative technology or service offering

  • A company which within the first 3 years is likely to achieve sales of €1m per annum and employment of 10 or more

  • A company which is export orientated

  • A company lead by an experienced team.

Funding Available:

The maximum funding available for a HPSU Feasibility Grant is 50% of eligible expenditures up to a maximum of €15,000.

Eligible expenditures include:

  • Salaries and overheads

  • Foreign travel and subsistence

  • Consultancy fess

  • Trade fair costs

  • Business Accelerator costs

  • Prototype/Materials costs.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 47 – Competitive Start Fund – Enterprise Ireland (EI)

***Closing date for applications is Tuesday 2nd March 2021***

The Competitive Start Fund (CSF) was developed to help accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capacity to succeed in global markets. The fund can be used to enable companies to reach technical and commercial milestones.

Funding Available:

  • The maximum level of support per successful application is €50,000, for 10% in ordinary shares in the company.

  • This support is released in two equal tranches of €25,000 (5% ordinary shares per tranche).

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Demonstrate that the product or service has reached Minimal Viable Product (MVP) stage.

  • That the product or service has received customer validation.

  • Market research has been carried out which highlights a clear gap in the market.

  • Evidence of innovation, export potential and employment capacity.

  • Clear execution plan outlined.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 46 – Innovation Vouchers – Enterprise Ireland

Innovation Vouchers were developed to help build links between Ireland’s public knowledge providers and small businesses.

Amount Available:

  • Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The Innovation Voucher is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland.

  • Enterprises in the agricultural sector are excluded.

Additional Information:

  • A company may have one ‘active’ voucher at any point in time.

  • Small and medium-sized companies may make use of a maximum of three vouchers, one of which must be a 50-50 co-funded Fast Track voucher.

Permitted uses for a Voucher:

  • New product/process development

  • New business model development

  • New service delivery and customer interface

  • New service development

  • Tailored training in innovation management

  • Innovation/technology audit.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 45 – Grow with Aldi – Aldi and Bord Bia

***Closing date for entries is Friday 5th February 2021***

Grow with Aldi has been developed by Aldi in partnership with Bord Bia. Grow with Aldi is designed to help small and medium companies develop their brand. Following the launch, Aldi will select up to five suppliers who will be listed as part of the core range with a 12 month contract.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Suppliers must be able to fulfill orders for 145+ stores nationwide of approximately 2,000 to 12,000 units.

  • The supplier must be registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) in the Republic of Ireland.

To find the application form visit: Aldi Grow. Completed applications should then be forwarded to grow@aldi.ie.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 44 – Food Works 2021 – Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc

***Closing date for applications is Friday 29th January 2021***

Food Works is a government supported accelerator programme. It helps develop the next generation of scalable and export driven Irish food and drinks businesses.

Support Available:

  • The market value for the programme is over €50,000.

  • Participants are eligible to apply for an Enterprise Ireland Feasibility Study grant up to the value of €35,000.

Included in the Programme:

  • Expert and industry led workshops

  • One-to-one business advisor sessions

  • Consumer and market research

  • Retailer engagement

  • Gain international insight

  • Industry and investor networking

  • Access to production and technical expertise

  • Feasibility grant funding.

Applications can be made through the Food Works website here: https://foodworksireland.ie/

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 43 – Ready for Customs grant – Enterprise Ireland

As Brexit continues to have a major impact on trade with the UK, taking on additional customs clearance staff can help ensure compliance with customs regulations. The aim of The Ready for Customs grant is to assist businesses in increasing their capacity to manage the customs process from 1st January 2021. Applications are currently open until 31st March 2021 or until the €20m fund has been dispersed.

Amount Available:

  • Up to €9,000 is available to support the recruitment or redeployment of a full-time employee engaged in customs work.

  • If you employ a new person to deal with customs on a part-time basis a grant of up to €4,500 is available to support the recruitment or redeployment of this employee.

  • This grant contributes to recruitment costs, employee costs and provision of IT infrastructure.

Eligible Businesses:

  • Businesses that are providing freight, haulage, logistics services to, from or through the UK.

  • Businesses that are providing customs intermediary services.

  • Businesses directly engaged in business activities with or through the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Businesses must have a CRO number and be incorporated in the Republic of Ireland at the time of application.

  • Businesses must have an EORI number from Revenue.

  • Enterprises providing customs intermediary services less than 12 months since establishment must also provide a supporting business plan.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 42 – Feasibility Study Grant – Local Enterprise Office

The Feasibility Study Grant is offered by the Local Enterprise Office to help the promoter with researching market demand for a product or service. Through the Feasibility Study Grant the promoter can obtain assistance with innovation including specific consultancy requirements, hiring of expertise from third level colleges, private specialists, design and prototype development.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The enterprise must not employ more than 10 people.

  • The enterprise must demonstrate a market for the product/service.

  • The enterprise must have potential for growth in domestic and/or export markets and also potential for new job creation.

Amount Available:

  • The maximum Feasibility Study Grant for the S&E Region is 50% of the investment or €15,000 whichever is the lesser.

  • The maximum Feasibility Study Grant for the BMW Region is 60% of the investment or €15,000 whichever is the lesser.

Eligible Expenditure:

  • Market research

  • Consultancy costs

  • Technical development/prototype/innovation

  • Salary/own labour research

  • Miscellaneous Costs.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 41 – LEADER Food Initiative – Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The LEADER Food Initiative provides funding to small and micro food and drinks businesses. The scheme was launched in 2018 and has been extended into 2021. The LEADER Initiative provides financial support in areas like market development, competitiveness, and innovation as well as for the renovation and extension of production facilities and the purchasing of processing equipment.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Businesses with an annual turnover of up to €10m

  • Businesses employing less than 50 people.

Amount Available:

  • The maximum amount of funding permitted is €200,000 per project.

  • The maximum rate of aid has risen from 50% to 75%.

The next round of applications opens in April 2021.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 40 – Proposals for innovative Farm Health, Safety and Wellbeing projects – Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP)

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has said that despite farms only accounting for 6% of the workforce in Ireland, fatal accidents on farms account for almost 50% of the fatal workplace accidents each year.

The EIP call for proposals on Farm Health, Safety and Wellbeing is split into two stages.

Stage 1: A short application form is required which contains a brief overview of the main elements of the proposed project. The closing date for proposals to be submitted is Friday 29th January 2021. All forms and guidance notes are available at

www.gov.ie/en/service/18a855-european-innovation-partnership-scheme/

Stage 2: Successful projects from Stage 1 progress to Stage 2. At this stage additional details for each proposal are developed. The development of these plans is funded under the EIP initiative. All of the detailed project plans are again assessed by an expert committee, with successful projects moving to full implementation.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 39 – The Ready for Customs grant – Enterprise Ireland

The aim of The Ready for Customs grant is to assist businesses in increasing their capacity to manage the customs process after 1st January 2021. Applications are currently open but the deadline for applications is on the 15th December at 15:00 or when the €20m fund has been dispersed.

Amount Available:

  • Up to €9,000 is available to support the recruitment or redeployment of a full-time employee engaged in customs work.

  • If you employ a new person to deal with customs on a part-time basis a grant of up to €4,500 is available to support the recruitment or redeployment of this employee.

  • This grant contributes to recruitment costs, employee costs and provision of IT infrastructure.

Eligible Businesses:

  • Businesses that are providing freight, haulage, logistics services to, from or through the UK.

  • Businesses that are providing customs intermediary services.

  • Businesses directly engaged in business activities with or through the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Businesses must have a CRO number and be incorporated in the Republic of Ireland at the time of application.

  • Businesses must have an EORI number from Revenue.

  • Enterprises providing customs intermediary services less than 12 months since establishment must also provide a supporting business plan.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 38 – Brexit Business Loan – Microfinance Ireland

The aim of the Brexit Business Loan is to help support SMEs through the current challenges they are facing as a result of Brexit. It is also there to protect job creation and help sustain existing jobs in Ireland.

Loan amounts available:

  • €5,000 - €25,000 available with loan terms varying from 6 months to 3 years.

  • Interest rate of 4.5% APR if submitted through the Local Enterprise Office network or other referral partners or 5.5% APR if you apply directly.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 employees and annual turnover of up to €2m.

  • Unable to secure finance from a Bank or commercial lending provider.

  • Business turnover is or potentially could be impacted by a minimum of 15% or the business has a short term cashflow need as a result of Brexit.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 37 – Accelerator Programme – Food Works Ireland

The Food Works Programme is a government supported accelerator programme that helps develop the next generation of scalable and export driven Irish food and drinks businesses. It is ran by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.

Support Available:

  • Sales and marketing support domestically and internationally

  • Consumer Insight & Development

  • Creative Design & Consumer Research

  • Feasibility grant funding, up to €35,000

  • Understanding HPSU (High Potential Start-Up) investment and grant funding opportunities

  • Business planning and strategy development

  • Product development and process scaling

  • A range of testing to support the determination of product quality and safety

  • Technical and regulatory advice and consultancy.

The Food Works Programme costs €3,000 but with all the expert advice, branding, mentoring, research and guidance, the programme has a market value of over €50,000.

Applications must be submitted before January 29th 2021. Finalists will be invited to do an online interview on February 11th 2021. Successful candidates will be notified in advance of the programme commencing on 2nd March 2021.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 36 – GradStart Support – Local Enterprise Office

The GradStart Support fund helps support businesses with ambitious growth plans to employ a graduate on a rolling basis for a 2-year contract. Graduates must have a minimum Level 6 qualification on the National Vocational Qualifications Framework or equivalent. The graduate will complete a project as defined by the company and linked to their overall growth plan. Graduates may work in any area of the business excluding roles related to sales and marketing activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Businesses are limited to 1 graduate on a 2-year contract at any one time.

  • The business must have a minimum of 5 full time employees to qualify for support.

  • Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate satisfactory progress against business plan and evidence of appropriate funding for the duration of the placement.

  • Have graduated within the last four years.

Support Available:

  • For the 24-month placement financial support of €30k (€15k per year) or 50% of the graduate salary costs (whichever is the lesser) will be provided.

  • Where a company has clear requirement for a graduate with language proficiency and recruits a graduate with language proficiency, financial support of €42k (€21k per year on a maximum allowable salary of €30k per year) or 70% of the graduate salary costs (whichever is the lesser) will be provided.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 35 – Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters – Local Enterprise Office

The Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant enables clients to explore and develop new market opportunities. The TAME grant part-funds the costs that can be incurred when investigating and researching export markets, e.g. developing websites specifically targeting overseas markets.

Eligibility Criteria for the business:

  • Must not employ more than 10 employees.

  • Be located within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office.

  • Operate in the commercial sphere.

  • Demonstrate a market for their proposed product/service.

  • Engage in manufacturing or internationally traded services.

  • Not have received any funding for their proposal from any other source.

Amount Available:

  • Grant covers 50% of eligible costs (net of VAT) to a max of €2,500 in any calendar year.

  • Applications must be made prior to any expenditure being incurred.

What is covered by the TAME Grant:

  • Development of specific Marketing Materials aimed at exploring new export markets.

  • Translation e.g. of existing material (booklets, webpages, etc. for export markets)

  • Development of export related websites.

  • Investigation of new internal or external processes to develop export business e.g. new business model of the carrying out of non-regulatory technical requirements.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 34 – Brexit Planning Voucher – InterTrade Ireland

This voucher offers 100% financial support up to £2,000/€2,250 (inclusive of VAT) towards professional advice in relation to Brexit matters. This support can help your business get advice on specific issues such as goods, services, movement of labour and currency management.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Your business must be located on the island of Ireland (North or South)

  • Trade across the border (NI/ROI)

  • Have less than 250 employees

  • Have an annual turnover of less than €50m (sterling equivalent)

  • Have a satisfactory trading history

Applications can be made on InterTrade Ireland’s website. Once the application has been submitted you will be informed of the assessment panels decision within 10 working days.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 33 – Covid Restriction Support Scheme – Revenue Commissions

The objective of the fund is to help prevent the closure of businesses which operate in the sectors most exposed to Covid-19, allowing them to operate successfully once the relevant restrictions have been lifted. Businesses can apply to Revenue for a cash payment.

Funding Available:

  • The amount payable is dependent on the corresponding period in 2019.

  • Payments will be calculated, subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000.

    • 10% of the business’ first €1 million of turnover

    • 5% of any excess.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Customer access to the business premises must be directly prohibited or restricted under Level 3 or higher of the Government’s restrictions

  • The business’ turnover must not exceed 20% of the turnover for the corresponding period in 2019.

More details on clarity are to follow in the Finance Bill.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 32 – Covid-19 Micro-Enterprise Assistance Scheme – Local Enterprise Office

The objective of the fund is to provide a grant in respect of vouched expenditure contributed towards the cost of reopening or keeping a business operational.

Funding Available:

  • A minimum of €500 to a maximum of €1,000 is available.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Businesses who have suffered a 30% reduction in turnover due to Covid-19 restrictions or downturn in trade provided they commit to remaining open and to hiring and sustaining employment.

  • Employed between 2 and 10 full-time employees on their payroll at the 29th February 2020.

  • Have an annual turnover of less than €2 million.

  • Have a commercial focus excluding;

    • Businesses in the primary agricultural, fishery or aquaculture, coal and steel sectors.

    • Involved in activities that the Local Enterprise Offices consider as ineligible or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk.

    • Non-commercial organisations such as community, charity, arts and sporting.

  • Businesses are not eligible for the Covid-19 Restart/Restart Plus Grant or similar Covid-19 business restarts grants.

Eligible Expenditure:

  • Adaption and reconfiguration costs of buildings and room layouts to allow for physical distancing and safe working.

  • Covid-19 related consumables such as personal protective equipment, sterilisation equipment, additional cleaning equipment, waste disposal equipment, paper towel dispensers.

  • The grants will be based on vouched expenditure net of VAT incurred from the 14th September 2020 to the 30th October 2020.

The closing time for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on the 9th October 2020.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 31 – DEMETER Open Call #1 – DEMETER

The goal of DEMETER is to lead the digital transformation of Europe’s agri-food sector through the rapid adoption of advanced IoT (Information of Things) technologies, data science and smart farming, ensuring its long term viability and sustainability.

Funding Available:

  • Up to €30,000 equity-free funding per selected project available to integrate agri-tech solutions into DEMETER’s HUB.

  • A total budget of €300,000 is available with 8-12 applications expected to be selected.

  • DEMETER will fund the integration and interoperability activities of the technology solutions.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The DEMETER Open Call #1 – DEVELOP aims to attract and engage startups/ SMEs with technology products that can be implemented within the agro-business sector and are legally established in an EU Member State, H2020 associated countries or Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) linked to the Member States.

  • SMEs with solutions which will enlarge and enrich the pool of technology offers/options within DEMETER, towards the co-creation of particular solutions to overcome end-users’ needs and challenges.

Open Call Topics:

  1. Soil workability and humidity monitoring.

  2. Interoperable Geo Tagged Photo App.

  3. ISOBUS enabler.

  4. Blockchain-based solutions for agricultural applications.

  5. DEMETER Business process integration (BPM).

Deadline:

  • Apply before 18 November 2020

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 30 – Supports Guide – ifac Food and AgriBusiness

ifac’s Food and AgriBusiness department recently released their 3rd annual Food and Agribusiness Report. This report focuses on data that was generated from independent research carried out among SME owners in the Agricultural and Food sector in the Republic of Ireland. Alongside analysis on the results of the research, a comprehensive interview with John Moloney was carried out on the power of strategic planning. The Report also contains lots of interesting insights from a range of people involved in the Food and AgriBusiness sector and sector specialists from ifac.

The Supports Guide, which can be found on page 46-47 of the Report, is an indicative map of some of the most frequently used supports by Irish food and agribusinesses. It includes supports from Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office, Bord Bia, and others who provide support from start-up phase right up to expansion.

To download the full ifac Food and AgriBusiness Report visit: www.ifac.ie/report

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 29 – Sustaining Enterprise Fund – Enterprise Ireland

This fund is being provided by Enterprise Ireland to provide businesses with the funding needed to stabilise cashflow, adapt their operations, and innovate to meet new customer needs.

Funding Available:

  • Funding from €100,000 up to a maximum of €800,000, will be available.

  • Funding will be provided for a five-year period, using repayable advances, grant aid, equity or loan note.

  • Funding provided will comprise a combination of repayable and non-repayable support.

  • A non-repayable grant of up to 50% of a funding package (up to €200,000) is now available.

  • No repayments for the first 3 years.

  • Zero administration fee for the first 6 months – 4% thereafter.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Employ 10 or more full-time employees.

  • Are operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded service sectors.

  • Have seen (or expect to see) a 15% or greater reduction in actual or projected turnover or profit, or a significant increase in costs, as a result of Covid-19.

Who cannot apply:

  • Businesses who are active in the primary agricultural, fishery or aquaculture sectors.

  • Businesses in the coal and steel sector.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 28 – Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme – Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation

This scheme has been announced as part of the Government’s July Stimulus package. The scheme offers an 80% Government guarantee to participating banks to provide low-interest loans to eligible SMEs. The Scheme is operated by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through participating finance providers.

Funding Available:

  • Loans provided under the scheme range from €10,000 to €1 million.

  • Total lending of €2 billion available to eligible businesses.

Details of Loans:

  • Loans will be available with terms of up to five-and-a-half years.

  • Interest rates on these loans will vary depending on individual characteristics. However, finance providers will offer a reduced interest rate compared to similar lending.

  • Financing will be offered through a range of products, including term loans, working capital loans and overdrafts.

  • Loans of up to €250,000 under the Scheme are available unsecured.

Eligible Businesses:

  • The Scheme is available to eligible SME and small Mid-Cap businesses, including primary producers, established in Ireland.

  • The business must have experienced an adverse impact of minimum 15% in actual or projected turnover or profit due to the impact of Covid-19.

  • The full details of eligibility criteria are available through the SBCI website.

Read our recently published Food and AgriBusiness Report here: www.ifac.ie/ifacreport/

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 27 – Key Manager/ Part Time Key Manager – Enterprise Ireland

The aim of this initiative is to provide partial funding towards the cost of recruiting a Full Time or Part Time Key Manager with skills that are critical to the future growth of the business. The individual must contribute to significant and measurable improvements in business productivity.

Examples of Key Manager positions:

  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

  • Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

  • R&D Manager

  • Production Manager

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Small and Medium Established companies employing 10 or more employees.

  • Companies that have been trading for at least 2 years.

  • The role is based in Ireland.

  • For Part Time positions to qualify they must be working a minimum of 18.75 hours per week.

  • The position is a new role and not a replacement for an existing position.

Funding Available:

  • A company may receive two Key Manager Approvals in a rolling 12 month period.

  • Funding will be by way of Grant. The maximum support level will depend on the state aid basis being applied.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 26 - The Grow with Google support package

Google is offering 60,000 small businesses in Ireland to help to recover from the effects of Covid-19. Google is providing a package of tools, supports, partnerships, and funding. The scheme aims to enable businesses to adapt and thrive by learning how to operate online.

Support provided:

  • SMEs working with Google will have access to free tools

  • Training

  • €4m in advertising credits and grants for NGOs will be available.

  • Through the website SMEs can access hundreds of training courses for free, covering a range of topics.

Google is also partnering with Irish organisations such as the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Gaelic Players Association to make additional digital skills training free and easy to access for Irish businesses.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 25 Covid-19 Adaption Fund – Fáilte Ireland

The Covid-19 Adaption Fund has been introduced as part of the July Stimulus. Its focus is to alleviate some of the costs that businesses have incurred as a result of Covid-19.

Businesses which are eligible to apply include:

  • Accommodation included on Fáilte Ireland’s Statutory Accommodation Register 2020 or Non-Statutory Accommodation Listing 2020.

  • Pubs/bars with a Publican’s Licence.

  • Restaurants or cafés with a Wine Retailer’s On-Licence or a Special Restaurant Licence.

  • Visitor attractions.

  • Adventure centres/Cruise hire companies/Tourism equestrian centres/Tourism gold clubhouses/Tourism wellness centres.

  • Activity operators.

  • Boat tour operators.

The fund has been separated into two strands.

  • Strand A Funding for Capital Costs: This strand contributes funding to businesses with visitor premises which have incurred capital costs in the adaption of their premises for re-opening to visitors/customers in line with the Fáilte Ireland guidelines for re-opening.

  • Strand B Funding for Consumables: This strand contributes funding to businesses which do not have significant visitor facing premises and/or only have expenditure on COVID-related consumables, particularly the sanitisation of equipment and safety gear in accordance with the Fáilte Ireland guidelines for re-opening.

Opening and closing dates for applications:

  • Applications can be made from the 18th of August to the 8th of October 2020.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 24 Enterprise Support Grant – Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Competitive Start Fund – Enterprise Ireland

The Enterprise Support Grant is available to assist eligible self-employed recipients who closed their COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment on or after 18th May 2020.

Grant amount available:

  • Funding will be awarded for eligible costs up to a maximum of €1,000.

Eligible costs include costs related to opening your business, including:

  • Safety measures

  • Business advice or mentoring

  • Repairs

  • Fuel

  • Wages

  • Normal business costs are not generally included

Eligibility Criteria:

The grant will be awarded to self-employed people who are:

  • Tax and PRSI compliant

  • Have reopened their business which was closed due to the pandemic

  • Employ less than 10 people

  • Have an annual turnover of less than €1 million

  • Are not eligible for COVID-19 Business Restart Grant

How to apply:

Complete the COVID-19 ESG 1 application form on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection website.

Competitive Start Fund

The closing date for applications to the Competitive Start Fund is closing soon! The Competitive Start Fund has been developed to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capacity to succeed in global markets.

Grant amount available:

  • The maximum level of support per successful application is €50,000, for 10% in ordinary shares in the start-up company, to be released in 2 equal tranches of€25k (5% in ordinary shares for each tranche).

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be able to demonstrate that product or service has reached Minimal Viable Product (MVP)

  • That the product or service has received validation from customers after they have trialed/ payed for it.

  • A proposition addressing a clear gap in the market with market research conducted with customers/potential customers.

  • Clear export market opportunity for the proposed product or service.

  • Clear execution plan outlines, identifying suitable channels to international markets.

Closing Date for Applications:

Applications are closing on Tuesday 18th August 2020 at 3pm. Application forms must be submitted through the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System by the deadline.

For more information on either of the financial supports above, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 23 – COVID-19 Supports – Enhanced Restart Grant

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation have announced an Enhanced Restart Grant which was introduced to provide additional support for micro and small enterprises.

Grant amount available:

  • The maximum grant available will rise to €25,000 (up from €10,000) and the minimum payment will be €4,000 (up from €2,000). Businesses that have already accessed the Restart Grant will be eligible to apply for a second top-up payment to a total payment of the revised minimum and maximum grant levels.

Eligibility criteria:

  • 250 employees or less.

  • Turnover of less than €100,000 per employee.

  • Reduced turnover by 25% as a result of COVID-19.

How to Apply:

  • Applications can be made through your Local Authority, while non-rated B&Bs will be eligible to apply via Fáilte Ireland.

Other points to note include:

  • Non-rated B&Bs and rateable sports businesses will now be eligible for a grant payment of €4,000.

  • Applications for the enhanced grant are due to open on Monday 10th of August 2020.

  • A full list of updated supports is available in our COVID section here

For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 22 Job Expansion Fund - Enterprise Ireland.

Who can apply?

  • SME companies who are Enterprise Ireland clients.

  • Manufacturing/Internationally traded service company.

  • Must have 10+ full time employees and be trading for at least 2 years.

Criteria for application:

  • Companies must be recruiting a minimum of 3 new (non-sales) employees per application.

  • The new jobs must not result in displacement of existing jobs.

  • There must be a minimum increase in turnover of €350,000 over the two years.

  • The base number of jobs at date of application plus the New Jobs created must be retained for a minimum of three years from the date of last payment of the grant package.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 21 Competitive Start Fund – Enterprise Ireland

The Competitive Start Fund has re-opened.

This call sees two competitions open:

  • Women Entrepreneurship

  • All sectors

Applications can be submitted between the 7th July and the 18th August.

As always these calls will be competitive so founders are encouraged to invest the necessary time to understand the process and create a narrative that positions their business idea in the best light.

Like previous CSF competitions, there are two parts to complete; the application form as well as a video pitch. The application must be submitted through the online systems on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

This fund was designed to promote and assist the growth of start-up companies that have the ability to succeed in markets globally. This fund is primarily created to help businesses to reach technical and commercial milestones.

According to Enterprise Ireland’s website, any company that wishes to apply should ideally be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Be able to show that product or service has reached the minimum viable stage (MVP) and is live in beta.

  • Prove that the product/service has demonstrable customer validation.

  • Demonstrate a fully articulated proposition addressing a clear gap in the market.

  • Provide support and evidence of innovation, export potential and employment capacity.

  • Display an execution plan and identify suitable channels to international markets.

At ifac Food and Agribusiness team, we have plenty of experience of working with founders to help them secure CSF funding.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 20 - Enterprise Ireland Support - Business Process Improvement Grant.

The Business Process Improvement Grant can be used to support one of three business process improvement projects:

  1. Lean Plus Assignment

  2. E-Marketing Improvement Assignment

  3. GreenPlus Assignment

    1- A LeanPlus assignment is a medium term project which will result in sustained use of Lean techniques by the company, and will achieve significant measurable gains in company capabilities and cost competitiveness. Clients are expected to have prior experience of Lean projects.

    2- e-Marketing assignments are designed to develop your company's capability to use Ecommerce as an effective channel for business development.

    3- GreenPlus assignments are designed to assist company managers to develop a high level of environmental management capabilities and achieve improved sustainability.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 19 – Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Arena Awards.

Irish agri-companies are invited to enter their products and innovations for consideration to the annual awards competition which has €10,000 in cash prizes.

Ifac are delighted to be an official partner of the event and sponsor of the Best Newcomer Award 2020. Please bear in mind the closing date to enter the competition is Friday the 10th of July 2020.

Innovators from the following industry sectors are encouraged to enter:

  • Dairy and dry-stock farming,

  • Horticulture,

  • Information and communication technology,

  • Cloud and mobile based software,

  • Animal health and genetics,

  • Water and waste management,

  • Environment and clean-tech,

  • Animal and farm management,

  • Farm safety and leading research

To enter visit: https://www.eventsforce.net/enterpriseireland/2900/home

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 18 – COVID-19 Supports - Enterprise Support Grant

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced a new COVID-19 related support for business owners this week. The Enterprise Support Grant for small businesses.

The Enterprise Support Grant will be made available for self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme.

This will provide qualifying individuals with a one-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business.

According to Minister Humphries the support will help existing small businesses, “typically trades people or sole traders”

Once applicants have closed their PUP claim, they will have four weeks to submit an application for the Enterprise Support Grant.

The Department is developing the systems to put this support into action and will communicate how to access the grant in the coming weeks. It is expected that applications will need to be supported with receipts to match expenditure claims.

Eligibility is as follows:

  • Self-employed micro enterprises that have reopened their business

  • Employ fewer than 10 people

  • An annual turnover of less than €1 million

  • Not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant

  • Are not liable for commercial rates

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 17 - COVID-19 supports -The Restart Grant for Small Businesses.

This grant will be available to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening after COVID-19 closures.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 August 2020.

Eligibility is as follows :

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and be a

  • Business with a turnover of less than €5million.

  • Business that employs less than 50 people.

  • Business that has been impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover to 30th June.

Businesses must commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed.

The grant will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019 with a minimum payment of €2,000 and max of €10,000.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 16 – COVID-19 Supports – Trading Online Voucher (Extended Funding)

Minister Heather Humphreys announced this week that an extra €14.2m funding is available for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.

This government grant scheme was designed to assist small businesses who wish to trade online.

There is up to €2,500 available with co-funding of 10% from the business as well as training and advice on social media and digital marketing to make online trading for your business more achievable.

Businesses that have already received a Trading Online Voucher can now apply for a second voucher giving a total funding opportunity of €5,000.

To qualify for the scheme, businesses must have:

  • No more than 10 employees;

  • Limited or no e-commerce presence

  • Less than €2m in turnover;

  • Be trading for at least 6 months and

  • Be located in the region of the local enterprise office to whom they are applying.

Contact ifac today for more information and application details. Contact lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie today for support in your application.

Week 15 – COVID-19 Supports – Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland are providing a range of supports available to businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Enterprise Ireland is calling on companies large and small with more than 10 employees to engage with it as soon as possible. The companies don’t have to be exporting or a previous client of Enterprise Ireland.

  • There is the €5,000 financial planning grant. This is for businesses to hire a financial consultant to prepare a detailed financial plan for the business.

  • There is a €2,500 Lean business continuity voucher for SME’s. The voucher may be used to obtain training or advisory services related to the continued operation of their businesses during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

  • There will be a range of other supports such as repayable loans or advances as long as companies can demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on their business performance. Repayments on this funding for SME businesses do not need to start until 2024 and carry an administration charge of 4%.

  • For SME businesses with a turnover of less than €5m, Enterprise Ireland is offering repayable advances of up to €50,000.There are also larger loan supports available, ranging from €100,000 up to €800,000

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 14 - Microfinance Ireland Covid-19 business loans

Microfinance Ireland are making loans available to Irish businesses to help them get through the initial impact of Covid-19. Loans between €5,000 and €50,000 are available.

You are eligible if your business is a micro-enterprise (i.e. less than 10 full time employees or €2m turnover) that has faced a reduction of 15% in revenues due to Covid-19. Businesses who are having trouble finding finance from other commercial lending providers may also qualify.

Businesses can avail of reduced interest rates of 4.5% APR for LEO applications or 5.5% APR for direct applications.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 13 - COVID-19 supports -The Restart Grant for Small Businesses.

Open for applications on 22nd May.

This grant will be available to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening after COVID-19 closures. Eligibility is as follows :

To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and be a

  • Business with a turnover of less than €5million.

  • Business that employs less than 50 people.

  • Business that has been impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover to 30th June.

The grant will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019 with a minimum payment of €2,000 and max of €10,000.

For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie

Week 12 – COVID-19 supports - The Business Continuity Voucher

*********CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATON: 15/5/2020*****

Worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs, this support is for businesses across every sector that employ under 50 people. This support is 100% funded.

  • This voucher can be used by both companies and sole traders to develop strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • There is one voucher available per business.

  • The voucher is not suitable for clients Enterprise Ireland, Udaras na Gaelteachta or IDA. Equivalent supports are available for those companies.

Contact lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie today for support in your application.

Week 11 - Covid-19 supports - Lean Business Continuity Voucher.

This voucher is available to clients of Enterprise Ireland as well as Údarás na Gaeltachta. It is open to small, medium and large companies.

The voucher is worth up to €2,500 andcan be used for training or advisory services support related to the continued operation of their businesses during the current pandemic.

There is a maximum of one voucher per company.

To reflect the on going travel restrictions it is envisaged that this support or training would be delivered online.

Additional links - https://enterprise-ireland.com/en/Productivity/Lean-Business-Offer/Lean-Business-Continuity-Voucher.html

Week 10 - Covid-19 Supports – The Sustaining Enterprise Fund

The Sustaining Enterprise Fund by Enterprise Ireland will enable companies who have been impacted by a 15%+ reduction in turnover and/or have faced significant cost increases due to Covid-19 to have access to short-term liquidity. This fund has been put in place to help companies return to viability and contribute to the recovery of the Irish economy.

Business will be offered a repayable advance of up to €800,000. In relation to repayment, there is a 3-year grace period and repayment should be completed by the end of year 5 on successful achievement of the project objective. Please note that this scheme is not available to primary agricultural, fishery or aquaculture sectors.

Eligibility Criteria Include:

  • Employ 10+ full time employees

  • Manufacturing & internationally traded services

  • SMEs and large companies who have applied for funding from a financial institution

Additional links - https://globalambition.ie/supports/innovation-support/sustaining-enterprise-fund/

Week 9 - Trading Online Voucher (Updated)

The Trading Online Voucher has been in the funding eco-system for quite a while but since the pandemic and the need for businesses to adapt their businesses to be digitally enabled the Local Enterprise Office has made it more accessible. This voucher applies to companies employing up to 10 employees.

It now offers financial assistance of up to €2,500 with co-funding of 10% from the client company along with training and advice to help your business trade online. This is a major drop from the 50% co-funding previously required. It is important to note that if you have received a Trading Online Voucher in the past you can still apply for a second voucher.

Examples of where funding can be spent include but are not limited to:

  • Adding payment facilities or booking systems to your website

  • Developing new apps for your customers

  • Subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions, to help companies quickly establish a retailing presence online.

Week 8 - Covid-19 Business Financial Planning Grant

The Covid-19 Business Financial Planning Grant, worth up to €5,000, will enable companies to access external support from approved financial consultants to prepare a financial plan to secure the company in the short to medium terms.

For more information contact businessresponse@enterprise-ireland.com

Week 7 - The new Business Continuity Voucher

Worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs and is for businesses across every sector that employ under 50 people.

  • This voucher can be used by both companies and sole traders to develop strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • There is one voucher available per business.

  • The voucher is not suitable for clients Enterprise Ireland, Udaras na Gaelteachta or IDA.

Week 6 - COVID-19 Supports

Short time work support is a payment made in place of your regular salary.

  • It is a form of jobseeker’s benefit.

  • Paid for a max of 234 days.

  • To qualify: Work must be cut by at least 2 days and you must satisfy the two main PRSI conditions for jobseeker’s benefit.

  • For more information on these conditions see here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/1221b0-jobseekers-benefit/ - The quickest way to apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit is through MyWelfare.ie - You must have a verified MyGovID to use this service.

  • If you complete your form on-line, you can then send on the UP14 form completed by your employer.

For more details, visit www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-work-support/

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is for employees or self-employed people who have found themselves unemployed or working less hours than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic.

  • The payment covers €203 per week for 6 weeks.

  • You can apply for the payment if you: are aged between 18 and 66 years. Students who have lost employment can also apply.

  • A simple, one-page application form is available online at www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/

  • If a person has Public Services Card one can apply on-line through the My Welfare online portal - https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/out-of-work-payments/apply-for-jobseekers-payment/

  • Applicants should not attend the Intreo office in person.

For more details, visit www.gov.ie/en/service/be74d3-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-payment/ or you can contact the Emergency line: 1890 8000 24

Week 5 - Competitive Start Fund

The applications for the competitive start fund are due to reopen on the 24th of March and close on the 14th of April. There are two parts to complete, the application form as well as a video pitch. The application must be submitted through the online systems on Enterprise Ireland’s website.

This fund was designed to promote and assist the growth of start-up companies that have the ability to succeed in markets globally. This fund is primarily created to help businesses to reach technical and commercial milestones.

According to Enterprise Ireland’ website, any company that wishes to apply should ideally be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Be able to show that product or service has reached the minimum viable stage (MVP) and is live in beta.

  • Prove that the product/service has demonstrable customer validation.

  • Demonstrate a fully articulated proposition addressing a clear gap in the market.

  • Provide support and evidence of innovation, export potential and employment capacity.

  • Display an execution plan and identify suitable channels to international markets.

Additional links: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/company/hpsu-funding/competitive-start-fund-csf-.html

Week 4 - Business Expansion

The Business Expansion grant is for the businesses in their growth phase, whether its sole trader, a partnership or a limited company.

The Business may be awarded if it employs under 10 people, is a manufacturing or internationally traded service business or a domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally.

Expenditure is considered under: Capital items / Salary costs / Consultancy / Innovation / marketing costs

The grant payable would be 50% if the investment or €150,000 ( whichever is lesser)

Grants over €80,000 and up to €150,000 shall be the exception.

Additional Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Business-Expansion-Grant/

Week 3 - Feasibility Study Grants

Feasibility Study Grants are available in order to support the promoter with investigating market demand for a product/service and to look into the sustainability of such product or service.

The largest Feasibility Study Grant available to businesses in the Southern and Eastern Region of Ireland is 50% of the investment (or €15,000 whichever is lower). Note: A grant of up to 60% is available for businesses located along the Border, Midlands or Western regions.

Qualifying areas of expenditure include: Market Research / Consultancy costs / Technical development/ Innovation / Salary / Miscellaneous costs

Your Business qualifies if it:

  • Employs under 10 people;

  • Must be established and run within the geographic location of the LEO

  • Must demonstrate a market for the product/service;

  • Must have potential for growth in domestic and/or export markets;

  • Have the ability to create jobs.

Additional Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Feasibility-Grant/

Week 2 - Innovation Vouchers

This scheme was developed to increase interaction between universities and small businesses in Ireland.

  • The Innovation Voucher provides €5,000 vouchers to small and medium-sized limited companies

  • A qualifying company can use a maximum of three vouchers and have one ‘active’ voucher at any one time

  • The third voucher is a co-funded one which means that qualifying companies will need to match the €5,000 funding

  • All vouchers are valid for 12 months

  • Companies must be registered with the CRO office in Dublin

  • The value of the voucher is used to offset the final cost of the project activity.

Applications are made via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application system. They do not accept voucher applications via any other method.

To view more information on this scheme click here

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Innovation-Voucher-FAQs.pdf

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Research-Innovation/Companies/Collaborate-with-companies-research-institutes/Innovation-Voucher.shortcut.html

Week 1 - Online Trading Voucher scheme

This government grant scheme was designed to assist small businesses.

There is up to €2,500 (90% grant funded) matched funding available as well as training and advice on social media and digital marketing to make online trading for your business more achievable.

To qualify for the scheme, businesses must have:

  • No more than 10 employees;

  • Less than €2m in turnover;

  • Be trading for at least 6 months and

  • Be located in the region of the local enterprise office to whom they are applying.

To view more information on this scheme click here

Voucher numbers are limited so contact ifac today for more information and application details.

Contact ifac today for more information and application details:

Lorcan Bannon, Food and Drinks Business Specialist| lorcanbannon@ifac.ie, 086-7704304

David Leydon, Head of Food & AgriBusiness| davidleydon@ifac.ie, 087-9908227

Patrick Black,Food & AgriBusiness Executive| patrickblack@ifac.ie, 087-6371428

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