Week 116 – Digital Discovery Grant – Enterprise Ireland
The Digital Discovery grant has been developed to encourage companies to create a strategy for their digital transition. This strategy should be centred on examining existing systems and processes while exploring any new opportunities that may be available in a digital capacity.
Funding available:
Grant funding for 80% of the project cost is available up to a maximum of €6,300 (€5,000 grant).
This is based on 7 days of consultancy at €900 per day.
Eligible activities:
Assessment of the company and existing processes and systems
Areas where companies could deliver new value-added digital services or products
Utilising digital systems to reduce energy, emissions and waste
Review of cyber-security strategy and process.
Eligibility criteria:
Client companies of Enterprise Ireland employing 10 or more full-time staff
Enterprise Ireland HPSU clients who employ 5 or more full-time staff.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie and patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 115 – Exploring Innovation Grant – Enterprise Ireland
The Exploring Innovation Grant from Enterprise Ireland has been developed to support businesses who are looking to plan a R&D project, innovation projects or international collaboration projects.
Funding available:
50% of eligible expenditures to a maximum grant of €35,000.
Eligible expenditures:
Salaries and overheads – only time spent on the proposed project qualifies
Foreign travel and subsistence – only trips related to the proposed project qualify
Consultancy fees – daily rates for consultancy is set at a maximum of €900 per day
Prototype / Materials costs
Eligibility criteria:
Engage in an eligible service activity or manufacture in the Republic of Ireland
Have 10 or more employees
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie and patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 114 – Covid-19 Loan Scheme – Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland
The updated Covid-19 Loan Scheme is offered in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). It is designed to support Irish businesses that have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.
Loan purposes:
The loan can be used for a variety of reasons including:
Working capital
Investment
Refinancing, up to 30% of new loans can be used for refinancing existing short-term credit.
Eligible businesses:
The scheme is available to SME businesses including primary producers in Ireland.
Businesses must have experienced an adverse impact of a minimum 15% in turnover due to the impact of Covid-19.
Loan details:
Interest rates will be lower than is typically available on similar lending.
Loans of between €25,000 and €1,500,000 are available.
Loan terms are between 1 and 6 years.
Loans under €500,000 are unsecured.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie and patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 113 – Business Process Improvement Grant – Enterprise Ireland
The Business Process Improvement Grant has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to support companies in completing short to medium term company projects focused on developing management capability and improving company efficiencies.
Project focuses:
Digital Marketing Capability: aims to develop the company’s marketing capability. These efforts can be supported by a digital marketing agency/consultant.
LeanPlus: projects focus on improving the efficiency of business activities through the engagement of a lean service provider.
GreenPlus: supports projects to develop a high level of environmental capability within management teams.
Funding:
Eligible costs include the hiring of external consultants. A company may also choose to allocate the costs of an internal company project champion/manager.
The maximum level of support is up to 50% or €50,000.
How to apply:
Contact your Enterprise Ireland development adviser to discuss your application.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie and patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 112 – THRIVE Global Impact Challenge – SVG Ventures & ICL Group
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge has been developed as a way to find the most innovative agtech startups from around the world who can help to create a more sustainable future for agriculture. Startups looking to enter the competition should be Seed to Series A.
Challenge Themes:
Soil health & biodiversity
Increasing food security
Reducing and offsetting emissions
Competition Timeline:
August 26: Applications close
Sept-Oct: Review of applications
October 20: Finalists are selected
November 15: Pitch event
Prize for the winning company:
The winning company will receive recognition from THRIVE and Forbes Media
Receive investment from SVG Ventures
A place for two founders at the Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp ($15k USD value)
Automatic acceptance as a Samsung XTC Finalist
Impact strategy programme with Imagine Impact, sponsored by ICL.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie and patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 111 – Agri T-Jam – Tesco and World Agri-Tech
Tesco and World Agri-Tech have partnered together for the 5th year of the Agri T-Jam. This competition provides seed/early-stage agri-tech startups from around the world, with an opportunity to work with Tesco and its supply chain partners to help them achieve net zero.
Support:
At least one of the finalists will receive:
Fast-track introductions and mentoring by the agriculture team at Tesco and its supplier network
Potential to trial the solution
Pitch live at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit
Schedule 1-to-1 meetings with investors
Areas of focus:
If your agri-tech startup focuses on one of these areas, you can apply by clicking the link below:
Reducing Environmental Footprint and GHG Emissions
Improving Soil Health and Resilience
Monitoring and Supporting Biodiversity
Water Quality and Water Use
Crop Health and Reducing Pesticides
Reducing Agricultural Waste & Agri Plastics
Reducing Crop Losses and Food Waste
Animal Feed Alternatives
Improving Animal Health and Welfare
Indoor and Vertical Farming Technologies
Data Analytics and Predictive Farming
Robotics, Automation and Sensor Technology
Competition timeline:
Deadline for applications: 26 June 2022
Announcement of finalists: 23 August 2022
Pitch day at the Park Plaza London Riverbank in central
London: 19 September 2022Winner pitches on stage at the World Agri-Tech Innovation
Summit: 20-21 September 2022
To complete an application form, visit: here
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie and patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 110 – Go Global 4 Growth – Enterprise Ireland and Dublin City University
The Go Global 4 Growth programmes has been developed by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Dublin City University to help ambitious CEOs and senior management teams to facilitate the creation of international growth action plans.
Key Dates:
Deadline for application: 13 July 2022
Launch: 7 September 2022
Module 1: 25/26 October 2022
Module 2: 13/14 December 2022
Module 3: 31 January / 1 February 2023
Finale: 21 March 2023
Programme outline:
Eight month programme including eight programme days, 5 x half days in-company management team advisory sessions, 2 x 2hour one-to-one leadership coaching sessions and online learning modules.
Expert business advisors work with participants as mentors to help them achieve the global growth.
The CEO is a vital participant and should be accompanied by two senior managers e.g. COO or CFO.
The programme costs €9,000 per company.
How to apply:
Application form available here: Application Form
Alternatively, you can express your interest by emailing GoGlobal@enterprise-ireland.com
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 109 – Market Discovery Fund – Enterprise Ireland
The Market Discovery Fund has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to encourage Irish companies to examine the possibility of entering a new geographic market or bring a new product into an existing market.
Support Available
Level 1: Grant up to and including €35k
Level 2: Grant over €35k up to and including €75k
Level 3: Grant over €75k up to and including €150k
The maximum funding is 50% of eligible expenditure. SME’s are eligible to apply to Levels 1-3, HPSUs are eligible to apply for Levels 1 and 2 only while large companies are eligible to apply for Levels 2 and 3.
Eligibility Criteria
Manufacturing or internationally traded services company
With the exception of HPSUs, trading for a minimum of 5 years with 10 employees (minimum of 5 based in Ireland) and annual revenues of at least €500k
Eligible Activities
Conducting primary and secondary market research
Working with potential customers to identify pain points and opportunities
Competitor analysis
Review of market regulations and legal advice on the market in question
Attending Trade Fairs outside of Ireland
Application Process
Contact your designated Enterprise Ireland Adviser.
Apply via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 108 – Innovation Arena Awards – Enterprise Ireland & the National Ploughing Association
The Innovation Arena Awards which are run in association with Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Association are nearing the deadline for applications. ifac sponsor the Best Newcomer Award with previous winners such as: HerdEye, StrongBó and Moonsyst
Application closing date
1 June 2022
Award Categories
There are 14 different category awards up for grabs including three sponsored awards by AgTechUCD and ACE Agritech and includes our ifac Best Newcomer Award where the winners win 12 months of complimentary consultancy services with access to the full range of skills and expertise within ifac.
Eligibility Criteria
Innovations that have been exhibited at the National Ploughing Championships in the past are not eligible, unless they have a substantial redesign from the original innovation. Applications can be submitted from Enterprise Ireland client companies, LEO Client companies and all other relevant Industry stakeholders
Innovations entered to the Innovation Arena must be beyond the concept stage.
Innovations submitted for consideration should be at a Minimum Viable Product Stage
Entry to the competition is adjudicated by a panel, where each application is evaluated on eligibility and suitability to the competition
The competition is focused on innovative development in the AgriTech sector
Application process
Shortlisted applicants will be announced on 13 June 2022 and will have the chance to display their projects at the Innovation Arena at the 2022 National Ploughing Championships this September in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Winners from the virtual competitions run in 2020 and 2021 will also be invited to showcase.
Submit your application online before 1 June 2022 by completing the form available here: Enterprise Ireland (eventsforce.net)
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 108 – High Potential Start-Ups (HPSU) Funding – Enterprise Ireland
The aim of HPSU programme in Enterprise Ireland is to support the development of internationally focused and scalable businesses through co-funded equity investment.
Criteria:
Developed an innovative product or service
Be focused on developing an export orientated business
Be capable of creating 10 jobs and turnover of €1 million within 3 years
Be a company less than five years old
Headquartered in Ireland
Support Available:
Support available to HPSU clients varies depending on the stage of development of the business and also the type of activity they are engaged in.
The financial support that Enterprise Ireland provide is through co-funded equity investment. The business must raise investment in less than 18 months.
For those companies unsure of whether they will meet the eligibility criteria, they can avail of the HPSU Feasibility Study Grant to investigate the viability of their business.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 107 – FoodBytes from Rabobank
FoodBytes! is run by Rabobank and, is a global network which aims to bring together food and agriculture startups through an innovation platform. The programme can offer networking opportunities and strategic introductions to its members as it champions cross-industry collaboration between startups, corporates and investors.
FoodBytes have a quarterly application window where they seek new members via their online application process. Each quarter, 15 startups are selected to participate. The startup programme takes place for one week each quarter and culminates in strategic introductions between startups and relevant members.
The programme is currently seeking applicants specifically from the following areas:
Novel farming and farm management
Farm biologicals
Hyper-localisation
Cell & fermentation technologies including synthetic biology and cell ag
Supporting technologies that aid scalability
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal members will:
Have a robust and diverse team with entrepreneurial experience.
Sustained Industry Impact & Relevance: with demonstrated product market fit and alignment with scouting focus areas.
Have a concept focused on people, profit & planet.
Have a collaborative mindset where openness to working with strategic partners (industry leaders and investors) can be demonstrated.
Be at the validation to growth stage (Seed to Series B) – either with piloting technology or present in market with product.
Application Process
Submit your application via the FoodBytes website Apply - Connect w/ Agtech & Food Tech Incubators | Foodbytes! (foodbytesworld.com)
The deadline for applications is 31 May 2022.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 106 – Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Innovation
Scoping Scheme (REISS)
The Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme (REISS) was launched off the back of a new initiative from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and aims to support enterprise development regionally in a timebound fashion. The REISS, which has a budget of up to 5 million euro, will provide funding for Feasibility & Priming projects and is administered by Enterprise Ireland.
Scheme structure
The REISS will be a single grant type, but with two different grant levels depending on the scope and scale of the project:
Feasibility Funding – A REISS Feasibility Grant with 80% grant support to cover consultancy and travel costs for smaller early-stage feasibility projects.
Priming Funding – A REISS Priming Grant with 80% grant support to cover Consultancy and Travel, but also supporting the cost of personnel, promotion, and the rental of office space for larger scale more significant scoping projects.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for the REISS Feasibility Study Grant, applicants must be:
A Not-for-Profit entity that is a registered Designated Activity Company (DAC) or a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) with the CRO under the Companies Act 2014, prior to the submission of their application.
OR
A public body, such as a local authority, an Institute of Technology/HEI’s, that is involved in a collaborative proposal with enterprise and other local and regional stakeholders, with the intention of establishing a long-term project through a special purpose company (DAC or CLG), benefiting the wider needs of the enterprise community and region. Please note where a project is led by a public body, the submitted project must be additional to the public body’s existing work programme.
Applications also must meet the minimum eligible funding threshold, i.e. minimum of €25,000 in eligible feasibility study expenditure (€20,000 grant aid at 80%)
Application Process
Two documents are required to be submitted as part of the application process; a written plan outlining required project evaluation criteria and a set of financial projections in a Project Cost Workbook (Excel) which details the expenditure proposed.
The closing date for applications is 3pm, 18 May 2022.
Application templates can be downloaded from the Enterprise Ireland website and must be submitted to GA-REISS@enterprise-ireland.com before the deadline
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 105 – Lidl Kickstart Programme
Applications for participation in the 2022 Lidl Kickstart Programme, which is run in conjunction with Bord Bia are now open.
This programme aims to give Irish suppliers the chance to establish a presence in Lidl stores nationwide.
It also offers an educational opportunity to selected participants as they have the opportunity to attend two comprehensive seminars run by Bord Bia which aim to improve the marketability of participants’ products. The subject areas covered include; quality control, packaging, marketing & PR building as well as other important aspects of business development.
Eligiblility Criteria
Eligible applicants must be:
A resident of Ireland aged 18 years or over;
Not an employee of Lidl Ireland GMBH, Lidl Northern Ireland GMBH (Lidl), or any subsidiary, associated company or agency or current supplier of these companies;
Not a member of the immediate family (including any live-in partner) of a person employed by any of the above;
Permitted, both legally and contractually, to retail the proposed participating Product already on sale in other supermarket chains in Ireland or abroad.
Application process
Apply online by completing the application from available here:
Kickstart Application Form - Lidl Ireland - www.lidl.ie
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie
Week 104 –Digital Marketing Capability – Enterprise Ireland
This Digital Marketing Capability support is an Enterprise Ireland initiative which offers assistance for companies who wish to develop a digital marketing strategy with the support of a digital marketing agency or consultant.
Eligibility Criteria
The Digital Marketing Capability support is open to SME’s and large companies that are Enterprise Ireland clients.
It is recommended to discuss eligibility on a case by case basis with your EI Development Adviser.
Support Available
Grant funding is available for 50% of the eligible project costs up to a maximum of €70,000 (€35,000 grant).
A digital marketing agency/consultant can be used by the company.
The maximum daily rate is capped at €900 per day.
Salary cost of an internal ‘project champion’ (management level). This cannot exceed more than 50% of the total project cost and is limited to a maximum of 100 days at €200 per day.
Application Process
For those companies who are not already existing clients, the first step in applying is becoming an Enterprise Ireland client.
Companies should speak to their DA and complete the required questionnaire.
The EI Digital Marketing Unit then advise on the application before finalising it.
Following this, applicants submit their final application via the EI online system.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 103 – Innovation Arena Awards – Enterprise Ireland & the
National Ploughing Association
The Innovation Arena Awards which are run in association with Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Association are open for applications once again. ifac sponsor the best newcomer award with previous winners such as: HerdEye, StrongBó and Moonsyst
Award Categories
There are 14 different category awards up for grabs including three sponsored awards by ifac, AgTechUCD and ACE Agritech.
The awards, which are worth up to €5,000 each, fall under the following headings:
Established Company 'Innovator of the Year Award' 2022
Start-up Company 'Innovator of the Year Award' 2022
Sustainable Agriculture Award
Vet technology Award
Agritech Start-up Award
Agritech Established Award
Agri-Safety Award
One to Watch Award
Young Innovator of the Year
On Farm Innovation Award – Alfie Cox Founder’s Perpeptual Trophy
Agri Engineering Award
Partner Awards at the Innovation Arena 2022
ifac Best Newcomer Award
AgTechUCD Startup Award
ACE Agritech Centre of Excellence Award
Eligibility Criteria
Innovations that have been exhibited at the National Ploughing Championships in the past are not eligible, unless they have a substantial redesign from the original innovation. Applications can be submitted from Enterprise Ireland client companies, LEO Client companies and all other relevant Industry stakeholders
Innovations entered to the Innovation Arena must be beyond the concept stage.
Innovations submitted for consideration should be at a Minimum Viable Product Stage
Entry to the competition is adjudicated by a panel, where each application is evaluated on eligibility and suitability to the competition
The competition is focused on innovative development in the AgriTech sector
Application process
Applications opened on 11 April 2022 and will close on 1 June 2022.
Shortlisted applicants will be announced on 13 June 2022 and will have the chance to display their projects at the Innovation Arena at the 2022 National Ploughing Championships this September in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Winners from the virtual competitions run in 2020 and 2021 will also be invited to showcase.
Submit your application online before 11 June 2022 by completing the form available here: Enterprise Ireland (eventsforce.net)
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 102 – EIT Food
EIT Food is a European Knowledege and Innovation Community which is partially funded by the European Union. The initiative aims to improve European food systems by making them more sustainable, trusted and healthy.
EIT Food run three different programmes aiming to tackle different issues within the agri-food sector - all with the common goal of supporting innovation for an improved food system.
EIT Food offer funding and support to food and agribusinesses via three flagship training programmes;
EIT Food Seedbed Incubator
EIT Food Accelerator Network
EIT Food RisingFoodStars.
Each of these programmes aims to support agri-food businesses in different ways, from providing networking opportunities and mentorship to funding assistance and scaleup support.
Register to be part of the EIT community at Join | EIT Food Entrepreneurs to receive correspondence from EIT regarding open calls for EIT training programmes, EIT events and the EIT Food Entrepreneurs newsletter.
EIT Food Northwest is a subsidiary of EIT food which focuses on supporting agri-food businesses in Ireland, the UK and Iceland specifically.
EIT Food Northwest have recently conducted research, mapping the business and technical support systems for innovative agri-food SMEs in Ireland, the UK and Iceland.
Check out their survey here: Business Support for Agrifood SMEs Survey to access their findings and offer feedback on their approach.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie
Week 101 – Ideate Ireland Competition – Ideate Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to undergraduates, post-graduates, recent graduates (two years or less), and researchers from third-level institutes, universities and research centres on the island of Ireland.
Teams should be resident on the island of Ireland at the time of application.
Teams should be at the pre-investment stage, i.e., have not taken equity investment at the date of application.
In short, the programme seeks the following:
An individual/ team
Innovative product, service or technology
Global scalability potential to achieve international sales and create employment
Support available
There are three cash prizes up for grabs
Winner: €15,000
First runner up: €7,000
Second runner up: €5,000
Application process
Those interested in applying must complete a detailed online form which demands details various details about the produce/ service/ technology and its scalability.
The online form is available at Competition Entry Form
The deadline for applications is Thursday, 7 April 2022
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 100 – Redesdale Food & Beverage Fund
The Redesdale Food & Beverage Fund has been developed to invest in food, agtech, beverage and nutrition companies, led by ambitious entrepreneurs. The investment team is uniquely qualified to understand the Irish food entrepreneur and is supported by the advisory board and marketing and operations team. The fund looks to take minority stakes in companies who they feel appreciate what the investment team can bring in terms of business development.
Funding available:
The fund has a total of €75m available for investment
It recently completed it’s first close of €27m
Application process:
Those interested in applying to the fund must complete an online application form which includes:
Contact details
Basic company details
Supplying a start-up pitch deck with your start-up’s financial model
To complete the form visit: here
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 99 - SuperValu Food Academy run in conjunction with Bord Bia and LEO
The SuperValu Food Academy programme, which is run in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Office and Bord Bia aims to assist small Irish food businesses by giving them the opportunity to have their products listed in SuperValu stores nationwide. The SuperValu Food Academy makes selected producers' products available to purchase in SuperValu stores for a full year.
Support available:
Participants receive training and attend workshops on the following areas: food safety, market research, branding, marketing, finance, sustainability, and business development.
Participants are also given access to one-on-one mentoring from LEO and Bord Bia representatives.
SuperValu strongly encourage food and drink producers who would like to have their products on shelves in outlets nationwide to apply for the programme.
Application process:
Contact your Local Enterprise Office for application forms. Find contact details for your LEO here.
Closing date for applications: 8 April 2022, with the programme due to commence in September 2022.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 98 – 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 97 - Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant -
Local Enterprise Office
The Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant which aims to help small Irish businesses to unlock and explore new opportunities on the export market.
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Funding 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.
Eligible Expenditure:
Development of specific Marketing Materials aimed at exploring new export markets.
Participation at trade fairs and shows covering Trade Show Exhibitor costs including rental/fees relating to space/stands; foreign travel & subsistence*
Participation at international trade networking events organised through the Enterprise Europe Network
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.
Application Process:
Applications should be submitted via application form on the website of your local LEO:
Find your Local Enterprise Office. For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 96 – Competitive Start Fund – Enterprise Ireland
***Closing date for applications is Tuesday 8 March 2022***
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. This latest fund has €1 million available to support up to 20 successful applicants.
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 95 - 2022 Agri-Food Tourism Grants Programme
The objective of the 2022 Agri-Food Tourism Grants Programme is a government initiative aiming to provide grant funding to activities or items that relate to the promotion and/or development of innovative agri-food tourism projects which can demonstrate that they will be self-sustainable in the longer term.
Initiatives should seek to benefit the local economy through job creation and should also take account of the goals of the Food Vision 2030 Strategy and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligibility criteria
Successful applicants must be:
Situated outside of the administrative boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
Currently operating or expect to be operational in 2022.
Community-based and use (not necessarily exclusively) locally sourced inputs, such as food produce, local crafts, etc.
Able to demonstrate the organisation's economic and financial standing to prove that the organisation is financially sound
Support details:
The maximum amount of funding that will be paid to any one project is €25,000 (incl. VAT).
Funding is not available for capital works but for current expenditure only.
Funding is not payable in respect of any works undertaken prior to the official letter of offer for approved projects.
Any activities accepted for funding must be structured in sufficient time to allow payments to be made by end 2022.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 94 – Brexit Impact Loan Scheme – Permanent TSB
Permanent TSB are the latest financial provider to join the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) Brexit Impact Loan Scheme. The SBCI Brexit Impact Loan Scheme is offered in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, The European Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank. Current participating financial providers include five Metamo Credit Unions, AIB and Bank of Ireland.
Eligibility criteria:
SMEs must satisfy one of the following Brexit criteria:
Export products, services or raw materials to the UK equating to at least 15% of business turnover.
Import products, services or raw materials from the UK equating to at least 15% of business turnover.
The combined exposure of 1 and 2 above equates to at least 15% of business turnover.
The business is indirectly exposed to the UK equating to at least 15% of turnover.
Support details:
Loan amounts from €25,000 to a maximum of €1.5million per borrower
Loan terms of between 1 year up to 6 years
Loans are unsecured up to €500,000
Optional interest-only repayments are possible under the scheme at the discretion of the participating finance provider
Loans are available up to 30 June 2022
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 93 – Lean for Micro – Local Enterprise Office
The Lean for Micro programme has been developed by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to encourage participants to adopt lean business principles in their organisations to increase competitiveness. It helps businesses to identify issues and potential areas of improvement, supports them as they try to implement these lean procedures and help them to achieve savings. The in-company assignment will be a cost reduction project and will typically be delivered over 8 to 12 weeks.
Programme structure:
A ‘Lean’ consultant will commence a diagnosis of current practice and performance
Key performance indicators will be established to achieve targeted business improvement
Support available:
Up to 5.5 days to undertake a Lean assignment in your business under the guidance and support of a qualified Lean mentor
Eligibility criteria:
Micro-enterprises employing up to 10 people
Trading a minimum of 6 months
Generated revenues in excess of €30k
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 92 - Deploy open call for the DEMETER project
Demeter is a European project led from the Walton Institute, combining insights from researchers, tech providers, and farmers.
The project aims to drive digitisation of the agrifood sector with purpose-built technology for farmers.
The main priorities of the project revolve around empowering farmers with full control and easy access their data, making data interoperable across all applications and making sure tech is developed with farmers and not for them.
Eligibility criteria:
The Deploy call is the second open call of the DEMETER project and is appealing to multidisciplinary consortia of 2/3 partners.
The consortia do not have consist of one of each these but must include at least 2 of the following:
Not for profits
Researchers
Technology providers
Eligible projects will fit within one of the following 5 broad categories:
Water & energy management
Fruit and vegetables
Agriculture, machinery and precision farming
Animal health, high quality
Full supply chain, interoperability, robotics
Funding available:
Grant funding of €150,000 will be available to up to five successful entrants.
To download application forms, visit: Open Call – Deploy - Demeter (h2020-demeter.eu)
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcan.bannon@ifac.ie or patrick.black@ifac.ie
Week 91 - Grow with Aldi - Aldi and Bord Bia
*Applications close 11:59pm, 21st January 2022*
Run in conjunction with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is a development programme aimed at small to medium sized enterprises producing Irish made food, drink or non-food products.
Aldi will shortlist a maximum of 75 applicants and will ultimately select up to five suppliers who will be awarded further contract opportunities. Applicants can enter up to five products to be selected.
Support:
Mentoring from Aldi Supplier team and Bord Bia are offered to successful applicants
The chance to have products listed in Aldi stores nationwide
Eligibility Criteria:
Suppliers must be able to fulfil orders for 149+ Aldi stores nationwide of approximately 2,000 - 4,000 units
Successful applicants' products must be available for sale by 19th May 2022
Suppliers must be registered for VAT in Ireland
Suppliers must be aged 18+
To apply, submit a covering email and application form complete with company name, profile and product description to grow@aldi.ie. Application forms can be found here: Application Forms
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 90 - Marketing Assistance Programme Grant - Bord Bia
The Marketing Assistance Programme (MAP) grant aims to help Irish food, drink, and horticulture SMEs identify a niche in new and emerging markets.
Eligibility criteria:
Produce and market agricultural products, and operate directly from Ireland
Produce and sell product to independent 3rd party retailers, food service providers, distributors, on-line or direct to market via farmers markets
Client company of Board Bia
Turnover greater than €100,000 but less than €3.5million in 2021
Generally, 50% return is available on expenditure for the following areas:
(i) Marketing, design, and New Product Development
(ii) Trade fairs and exhibitions
(iii) Quality measures
Up to 60% support is available to verified members of Bord Bia's Origin Green Programme and certified members of Bord Bia's Quality Assurance and Sustainability schemes.
Apply online at Grants (bordbia.ie) by making an account and submitting an initial enquiry before 31st January 2022.
Eligibility does not automatically assume receipt of the grant as the selection process is quite competitive.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 89 – Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme – Bord Iascaigh Mhara
The Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme was established as part of Ireland’s Operational Programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014 – 2020.
Project Type 1: Organic Aquaculture is currently open and is available to support efforts from conventional producers to move to organic production and participate in EU eco-management and audit schemes by providing assistance towards third party fees for organic certification and additional costs of participating in these schemes.
Eligibility criteria:
Must hold an up to date aquaculture licence and a foreshore licence
Activities considered business operational costs are not eligible
Must provide audited accounts, management accounts to confirm viability
Any monies owing to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or to either of the implementing agencies, must be paid in full before a grant can be paid.
Must have a current tax clearance certificate
Funding available:
A maximum of €10,000 or 50% (30% for non-SMEs) of eligible expenditure, whichever is the lesser, per project per year.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 88 – Acumen Programme - InterTradeIreland
The InterTradeIreland (ITI) Acumen Programme funds full-time or part-time sales support for SME's looking to expand into cross-border sales. Companies who have availed of the Acumen Programme previously have typically reported an increase in new business development, improved knowledge of cross-border trade and of cross-border sales opportunities, efficient marketing strategy focused on cross-border sales and enhanced management, sales and recruitment skills.
Support:
Funding is available for 50% of the cost of employing either a full-time sales resource to the maximum value of €37,500 (€18,750 funding) or a part-time sales resource to the maximum value of €20,000 (€10,000 funding).
Eligible companies who show high export potential may also avail of additional support in relation to pricing, supply chain, competitor analysis in advance of official approval for the Acumen programme.
Practical support with the recruitment of the sales resource, as well as networking opportunities with other programme participants are also available to approved companies.
Eligibility:
A business active in the manufacturing or tradeable services sectors
The business must be an SME
Have a proven trading history in their home market i.e. minimum 18-24 months
The business must not displace existing products or services in the target market
The business must have less than 30% of total sales in the target cross-border market in the last/current financial year
For more information, contact the ifac Food and Agribusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 87 – The Level Project – Enterprise Ireland
The Level Project is an initiative created by Enterprise Ireland to help companies to develop and implement a strategy including a practical Action Plan, that will help them to improve gender balance in their Senior Leadership Teams and on their Boards.
Support:
Once a company has completed the free online action planning toolkit, a tailored Action Plan will be developed for you tailored to the specific needs and challenges of your company.
This Action Plan can be utilised by companies to improve the gender balance in their company.
Business owners can begin their gender balance process by completing the free online action planning toolkit here: www.levelproject.ie
Additional supports are available to companies to help them develop and implement their Action Plan towards achieving gender balance. These include:
Strategic Consultancy Grant
Key Manager / Part Time Key Manager Grant
Spotlight on Skills
Grad Start
Excel at Growth – Attracting and Retaining Talent Programme.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness Team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 86 - Leadership 4 Growth Programme - Enterprise Ireland
The Leadership 4 Growth Programme is a leadership development initiative run by Enterprise Ireland which aims to educate and support CEOs of Irish businesses seeking international success.
Eligibility criteria:
Targeted at CEOs of well-established businesses from all sectors who are committed to seeking greater global growth
Must have capacity to engage in entire year-long programme which includes 3 overseas modules
Programme Structure:
Participants will engage in a series of educational modules taught by highly experienced practitioners.
The programme includes three international week-long study periods in Barcelona, Munich and New York during which participants can avail of significant networking and peer learning opportunities.
Programme alumni also benefit from 24-7 access to Enterprise Ireland e-learning platform and input from programme advisors beyond completion.
Cost for participation:
€25,000 - €27,000, depending on the size of the company
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness Team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 85 – Intellectual Property Strategy Offer – Enterprise Ireland
The Intellectual Property Strategy Offer is a support which companies can use to manage their R&D results to greater effect. Having an effective IP strategy can help companies to reach their growth targets. There are two separate grants as part of the offer. They are IP Start and IP Plus. Eligible companies can apply a maximum of three times for each initiative but not concurrently.
Eligibility criteria:
Irish owned company
Client company of Enterprise Ireland, a Local Enterprise Office or Údarás na gaeltachta
An SME
An RD&I performing company
Funding available:
IP Start
Consultancy from an external IP advisory and support services up to three days (€900/day) - €2,700 (grant aid of 80% or €2,160)
IP Plus
External expert IP advisory and support services (€35,000) while building the in-company IP capability (€35,000) - €70,000 (grant aid of 50% or €35,000)
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 84 – Strategic Marketing Review – Enterprise Ireland
The Strategic Marketing Review is a programme that has been designed for the senior management team within a company. It has been developed to support the management team in focusing on a market driven business strategy which will significantly impact your rate of scaling and international growth.
Eligibility criteria:
The company must be a manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services company
The company must be an SME
The company must have demonstrated the capacity to internationalise
The company must have sustainable annual revenues of at least €500k
Funding available:
Eligible costs are the costs associated with hiring an Enterprise Ireland approved marketing consultant for a maximum of 10 days
The maximum daily fee payable is €900
The typical cost of undertaking a Strategic Marketing Review is €9,000. €7,200 can be claimed back as a grant once proof of payment and a copy of the completed action plan is submitted
Programme structure:
The programme takes the form of workshops and mentoring sessions
The output of the Strategic Marketing Review is an Action Plan that identifies the key priorities for the short to medium term
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 83 – Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) Fund – Enterprise Ireland
The RD&I Fund supports the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes which will have a competitive advantage in a company’s target market. The development much involve the resolution of some technical challenges, be non-routine and represent a ‘step-up’ for the company in terms of the level of RD&I capability.
Eligible companies:
Registered companies that are trading with positive EBITDA
For companies who are not EBITDA positive they must contact their Enterprise Ireland Business Adviser.
Funding available:
Grant rates differ for R&D projects and business innovation projects.
The R&D grant rate for small companies, medium companies and large companies is 45%, 35% and 25% respectively. There is no set limit to the maximum grant.
The grant rate for business innovation projects is 50% for all companies to a maximum grant rate of €150,000
Eligible costs:
Existing staff costs / New staff costs
Overheads
Materials
Travel and subsistence
Consultancy
Patenting costs
Certification and clinical trials
Capital depreciation
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 82 – Accelerated Capital Allowance – Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme aims to incentivise investment in energy efficient equipment and machinery among farmers, sole traders and limited companies by providing compensation for capital depreciation through a reduction in the organisation’s tax liability.
Funding Available:
The full cost of equipment can be deducted from the organisation’s profits at the end of the year during which it was bought.
Eligibility Criteria:
This scheme appeals to farmers, sole traders and companies who pay corporation tax in Ireland.
Application Process:
Decide on the machinery/ equipment you plan to invest in.
Before making the purchase, check the Triple E product register to ensure it is eligible for compensation under The ACA scheme.
The ACA can be claimed through your company’s return of income form (CT1), in the ACA field of the form alongside the standard capital allowances entry field.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 81 – Brexit Impact Loan Scheme – Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland
The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS) has been developed as a successor to the Brexit Loan Scheme and provides low-cost loans to eligible Brexit-impacted businesses. The new scheme is now also open to businesses in the primary agriculture and seafood sectors. The scheme is delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through participating lenders. The scheme makes a fund of up to €330m available to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees.
Eligibility criteria:
The business must have experienced an adverse impact of minimum 15% in actual or projected turnover or profit due to the impact of Brexit
The business is indirectly exposed to the UK i.e. transacts products, services or raw materials with an enterprise that is directly exposed to the UK equating to at least 15% of turnover
Loan features:
Loans range from €25,000 to €1.5m
Loan terms from 1-6 years
Loans of up to €500,000 available unsecured
Loan uses:
Liquidity/Working capital
Investment
100% refinancing of existing Brexit Loan Scheme loans
Refinancing of existing short-term credit, up to a maximum of 30% of the new loan
Application process:
Step 1: Submit an Eligibility Application Form to the SBCI to check if they are eligible for the scheme. If you are deemed eligible, the applicant will be notified in writing and will be supplied with an eligibility reference number
Step 2: The applicant must provide this eligibility confirmation letter/code to the relevant finance provide when submitting their credit application.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 80 – Operational Excellence Offer – Enterprise Ireland
The Operational Excellence Offer has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to provide support to established companies to address their competitive challenges and growth opportunities through a transformation project. The project around which the growth plan is structured should involve a significant change in how the company does business and should not be focused on routing operation changes.
Eligible expenditure:
Business innovation: the implementation of new and innovative production, delivery or organisational methods
Capital equipment, including investment in digitalisation
Capability building through training in lean, leadership, innovation and digitalisation
Eligibility criteria:
Employ 10 or more full time employees
Have been incorporated and trading for at least 5 years
Have sustainable annual revenues of at least €500k and are EBITDA positive
Application process:
Applications can be submitted at any time but must include:
a business plan
project plan
costs workbook
financial data sheet
projected monthly cash flows
latest management accounts
organisational chart and group structure
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 79 – Innovation Partnership Programme – Enterprise Ireland
The Innovation Partnership Programme encourages Irish-based companies to work with Irish research institutes resulting in mutually beneficial co-operation and interaction. Companies can access expertise and resources to undertake research towards the development of new and improved products, processes, services and generate new knowledge and know-how.
Funding available:
Grants of up to 80% towards eligible costs
Funding will normally not exceed €200,000
Grant funding to projects involving early stage companies and High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) clients will normally be capped at €100,000
Eligibility criteria:
A manufacturing or internationally traded services company with an operating based in the Republic of Ireland
Must be a registered client of one of the following: Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta or a Local Enterprise Office
The company must have full support of their assigned Development Adviser / Agency Contact
Application process:
For Phase 1, there are two options
Option 1 is to submit an Outline Proposal Document
Option 2 is to apply for an Innovation Partnership Feasibility Study
Phase 2 is a Full Application.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 78 – New Frontiers Programme – Enterprise Ireland
The New Frontiers Programme has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to help early-stage entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas by providing them with the skills, support and confidence needed to help them start a successful business. It is delivered on behalf of Enterprise Ireland by Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities in 17 locations nationwide.
Programme structure: The New Frontiers programme is a three-phased programme.
Phase 1: Test your business idea. Part-time evenings/weekends held over an 8-10 week period
Phase 2: Develop the business. Full-time, six-month engagement (support package valued at €30,000).
Phase 3: Implementing the business plan. Full-time, three-month engagement (support package valued at €10,000).
Eligibility criteria:
Entrepreneurs must be over the age of 18
Must be based in Ireland
Eligible sectors:
Food and consumer products
Information and communication technology
Engineering and electronics
Medical devices
Biotechnology
Pharma
Digital media
Cleantech/Renewable energy
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 77 – Innovation Vouchers – Enterprise Ireland
Innovation Vouchers are available to help small businesses engage with Ireland’s public knowledge providers to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
Funding available:
A maximum of four vouchers can be used by a company
Three vouchers can be fully funded €5k Standard Innovation Vouchers
One voucher can be applied for as a Co-Funded Innovation Voucher (50:50 co-funded)
Eligibility criteria:
Innovation Vouchers are available to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland
Eligible projects:
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 Lorcan Bannon or Patrick Black from the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team.
Week 76 – Competitive Start Fund – Enterprise Ireland
The Competitive Start Fund (CSF) has been developed by Enterprise Ireland (EI) to help accelerate the growth of start-ups that have the capacity to succeed in global markets.
Funding:
€50,000 for 10% in ordinary shares which is to be released in two equal tranches of €25,000.
How to apply:
All applications must be made via the Enterprise Ireland online application system.
As part of the application process, a video pitch must be submitted.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:
The product or service has reached Minimal Viable Product (MVP) stage
The product or service has demonstrable customer validation
A fully articulated proposition
Evidence of innovation, export potential and employment capacity
Clear execution plan outlined.
Closing date:
28th September 2021
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 75 – Food Works Ireland – Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc
The Food Works programme is a collaborative initiative run by three State agencies. It focuses on supporting the growth and development of the next generation of scalable, export driven Irish food and drink businesses. Qualifying businesses will work with industry experts to develop a robust investor-ready business plan.
Eligibility criteria:
Companies must be less than four years trading
Benefits of Food Works:
Access to workshops
Business advisors
Consumer and market research
Manufacturing and technical expertise
International inspiration trip to London
Networking
Feasibility grant funding
PR
Cost:
Access to the programme costs €3,000
Funding available:
As part of the programme, businesses can apply for a feasibility grant funding of up to €35,000 through Enterprise Ireland. This includes up to €15,000 in salary support and up to €20,000 grant funding for other eligible expenditure.
Lorcan Bannon, Food and Agribusiness Senior Consultant at ifac is an advisor on the Foodworks programme so for more information, contact him directly at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or contact his colleague patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 74 – The Export Compass Series – Enterprise Ireland
The Export Compass Series has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to demonstrate and promote ways that businesses can overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic by understanding overseas business cultures, building digital capabilities for selling and developing customer, distributor and/or partner relationships.
The 5-part series will take place on:
Tuesday 7 September 2021, 10-11am
Tuesday 14 September 2021, 10-11am
Tuesday 21 September 2021, 10-11am
Tuesday 28 September 2021, 10-11am
Tuesday 5 October 2021, 10-11am
The series will look at:
What is the basis of your export plan? Where in the world you might export?
Who is your ideal customer? Culture and doing business in other countries
How to prepare for export. Sales and marketing to win export customers in a digital world
How to finance your export plan. Finance management through funding and pricing
Q&A session with exporting companies and overseas Enterprise Ireland Advisors
Cost:
The webinar series is free to all micro and SME companies who are looking to begin exporting.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 73 – Climate Action Voucher – Enterprise Ireland
The Climate Action Voucher has been developed by Enterprise Ireland to help businesses to create a plan for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. Businesses can be starting out on their green transformation journey or already have started.
Eligibility criteria:
The Voucher is open to Enterprise Ireland or Údarás na Gaeltachta clients.
Funding available:
Up to €1,800 worth of advisory services from an approved service provider
A maximum daily rate of €900 per day shall apply.
Eligible projects:
Resource efficiency assessment
Renewable energy potential
Introduction to corporate sustainability
Introduction to circular economy thinking
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 72 – Digitalisation Voucher – Enterprise Ireland
The Digitalisation Voucher has been developed to help companies prepare a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across the business. Post Covid-19, process optimisation, digital customer experience and data management will be essential in order for business to remain competitive. The voucher can be used to access independent technical or advisory services support related to the current and future operations of their business.
Eligibility criteria:
Companies who employ between less than 50 employees and have been impacted by Covid in one of the following ways:
Have suffered, or be projected to suffer, a 15% or more reduction in actual or projected turnover or profit as a result of Covid-19
Have had a significant increase in operational costs as a result of Covid-19
For companies who not meet the above criteria, and who are Enterprise Ireland clients, they may be eligible under De Minimis Aid.
Funding available:
Technical or advisory services from an approved service provider up to a value of €9,000. A maximum daily rate of €900 per day shall apply.
Eligible expenditure:
Internal process optimisation
Enhancing customer digital experience
Becoming a data-driven business
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 71 – Accelerated Recovery Fund – Enterprise Ireland
The Accelerated Recovery Fund was developed to support Irish businesses that are looking to adapt their operations and business models in order to remain competitive following the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic. New capital investment can increase productivity for businesses and help them to recover from the impact of Covid-19.
Closing date:
Wednesday 15th December 2021
Eligibility criteria:
A business that operates within the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector
Employ 10 or more full time employees on their payroll on the 29th February 2020; or
Employ 10 full time employees at time of application
Must have experienced a 15% or more reduction in actual or projected turnover as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Funding Available:
€150k - €1.8million per undertaking.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
Week 70 – Covid-19 Business Loan – Microfinance Ireland
The Covid-19 Business Loan is a government initiative which has been developed to support small businesses through the current challenges. Businesses which have been impacted by Covid-19 can use the Covid-19 Business Loan to secure finance.
Loan amounts available:
Business Loans from €5,000 to €25,000
0% interest and zero repayments for the first 6 months
Interest rate after the first 6 months will be a reduced interest rate of 4.5% APR if submitted through the Local Enterprise Office Network or 5.5% APR if you apply through Microfinance Ireland.
Loan terms up to a maximum of 3 years
Eligibility criteria:
Businesses with less than 10 employees
Businesses unable to secure finance from the bank or commercial lending provider
The business has been impacted by Covid-19 resulting in a 15% or more reduction in turnover or profit.
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie
Week 69 – Go Global 4 Growth – Dublin City University and Enterprise Ireland
The Go Global 4 Growth programme is delivered by Enterprise Ireland in partnership with Dublin City University. The programme facilitates the creation of international growth action plans. Through the programme CEOs and senior teams will work with expert business advisors.
Closing date:
Thursday 22nd July 2021
Eligible companies:
The programme is targeted at ambitious teams from all sectors
The CEO is a vital participant and should be accompanied by two senior managers
What’s included:
Seven months of mentoring
11 x days education including peer learning networks
5 x half-days in-company management team advisory sessions
2 x 2-hour one-to-one leadership coaching sessions
Online learning modules
Cost per company:
€9,000 (Teams of 3 including CEO)
For more information, contact the ifac Food and AgriBusiness team at lorcanbannon@ifac.ie or patrickblack@ifac.ie.
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:
Applications can be submitted from Tuesday 4th May 2021 until Tuesday 25th May 2021 at 3pm.
Applications must be submitted through the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
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 57 – The 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:
Visit: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/events/ourevents/innovationarena and fill in the application form.
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:
Contact your Local Enterprise Office and register to join the Food Academy, visit: https://supervalu.ie/real-people/food-academy-programme/apply
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:
The Bootcamp is free to join.
To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amazon-bootcamp-ireland-tickets-142483755749?aff=eitwitter
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:
Watch the Lunch & Learn Green Webinar: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Green
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:
Soil workability and humidity monitoring.
Interoperable Geo Tagged Photo App.
ISOBUS enabler.
Blockchain-based solutions for agricultural applications.
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:
Lean Plus Assignment
E-Marketing Improvement Assignment
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
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