Assistance

Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2

T: (01) 808 2000
F: (01) 808 2802
E: CSU@enterprisequity.ie
W: www.enterprise-ireland.com

Also at:
Glasnevin, Dublin 9
T: (01) 808 2000
F: (01) 808 2020

Merrion Hall, Strand Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
T: (01) 206 6000
F: (01) 206 6400

Regional Offices in Athlone, Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Letterkenny, Killarney, Sligo, Waterford.

Categories: Business Angels; Competitions; Debt; Equity; Grants; Information; Mentoring; Young Enterprise

Enterprise Ireland is the State body charged with assisting the development of Irish enterprise. Its clients are assisting the development of Irish enterprise. Its clients are manufacturing and internationally-traded services companies employing more than 10 people, as well as high-potential start-ups.

Five categories of support are available (for more information, see its brochure on financial support):

• 1. Exploring new opportunities: preliminary funding to exploit new ideas for businesses with 10 to 250 staff or high potential start-ups (HPSUs)
• 2. HPSUs based on technological innovation or rapidly developing niche market
• 3. Existing company expansion, where more than 10 people are already employed
• 4. Building international competitiveness: a new Competitveness Fund for SMEs offers assistance to businesses with 10 to 250 staff, that have not received more than €200,000 in support over the past three years
• 5. Research and development: Support under the Research technology and Innovation (RTI) Competitiveness Shceme for significant R&D projects.

Key considerations in evaluating a project application include:

• Need for financial assistance
• Value for money
• Commercial considerations
• Technical considerations
• and Financial track record - therefore, a strong well-thought-through business plan is essential.

Enterprise Ireland's services include:

• Access to business angels and venture capital funds
• Assistance with intellectual property and technology transfer
• Benchmarking
• Design Support
• Incubation and workspaces
• Linkages with EU technology support programmes
• Market information and supports
• Mentoring (see Mentor Network)
• Support for e-commerce/e-business

Enterprise Ireland also supports a range of other initiatives targeted at developing enterprise, including an annual Student Enterprise Awards competition.