merrion street

Paddy Halton, Managing Director, TrueNorth Technologies; Minister Mitchell O'Connor, and Denis Duggan, Enterprise Ireland at the launch of the fund

Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor today welcomed the announcement of an Enterprise Ireland feasibility fund of €200,000 to support the next generation of agri-business in Ireland. 

Also attending the launch was Paddy Halton, Managing Director of TrueNorth Technologies. The company, based in Shannon,secured competitive feasibility funding in 2014 and now export their Grasshopper product to global markets. 

The Fund, which can provide up to €25,000 per initiative, is aimed at stimulating innovative start-ups and creating jobs and growth in the Irish agri-business sector. The Fund will open for applications from entrepreneurs and early stage start-up companies on Tuesday 23 August, and will close on Tuesday 6 September 2016.

The fund is open to applications from individuals, early stage companies or prospective businesses operating in the agri-business sector including: machine design and manufacturing; fabrication; engineering and technical activities; life sciences products with application in the agri-sector; farm related software and related services; vet-pharma; animal health and chemical products. Early stage food companies with the potential to export are also encouraged to apply.

Launching the Fund, Minister Mitchell O’Connor said:

In Ireland we have a strong and dynamic agri-business sector, with highly innovative companies like TrueNorth Technologies successfully winning sales in international markets. Competitive Feasibility Funds are all about developing new businesses that will create jobs in every region in Ireland – something this Government is deeply committed to. If you are a potential entrepreneur or early stage business in the agri-business sector, this Competitive Feasibility Fund can help you get started.

For more information, and to access an application form, go to the Enterprise Ireland website here.