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Enterprise Ireland female founder fund returns

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10 November 2016

Enterprise Ireland the Competitive Start Fund for Female Entrepreneurs to support early stage start-ups. Now in its fifth year, the fund provides €50,000 in equity funding for 10 successful applicants.

The purpose of the Fund is to accelerate the growth of female-led start-ups that have the potential to employ more than 10 people and achieve €1 million in export sales within three years. The fund is designed to enable those companies reach key commercial and technical milestones which will ensure delivery of their product or service to an international audience.

The fund is open to applications from female entrepreneurs or female-led start-ups in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors.

Orla Battersby, manager of high potential start-ups, Enterprise Ireland, said: “[This] Competitive Start Fund to encourage more women to start businesses, providing a launch platform for female entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and international trade services sectors.”

Yvonne Brady, founder and CEO, EVB Sports, a previously successful applicant said: “Trying to create a global brand requires a lot of investment. Especially when it’s a new brand entering a very competitive market, you need to secure funding.

“The Competitive Start Fund allowed EVB Sport to springboard to the next level. Securing the financial support allowed EVB Sport to trade at a global scale. The Competitive Start Fund is not all about the financial backing – we also secured enormous support from Enterprise Ireland in terms of new contacts and doors opening, which otherwise may have stayed closed.”

Closing date for entries is 23 November 2016. Full details can be found at www.enterprise-ireland.com/FemaleCSF.

TechCentral Reporters

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