merrion street

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton today launched the 2011 Enterprise Ireland SuperValu Supplier Development Programme. The programme will see ten young Irish food start-up companies receive customized training and one-on-one mentoring support. The companies will be helped to take the first step to retail success, with €16 million in sales delivered for participants to date.

Ten companies have signed up for the programme, which lasts six months. Participating companies this year include Kearney’s Gluten Free Breaded Fish, Killowen Yogurt, Dee’s Wholefoods, and Kilbeg Dairy among others.

Launching the programme, the Minister said:

In order to get the economy and job creation growing again, I am determined to work hard and try to ensure that we get the absolute most, in terms of job creation potential, out of every strength and asset we have. This includes reducing costs, improving access to finance and encouraging innovation – but also mining the potential of the traditional strengths of our economy.

Today’s initiative represents a great example of a coordinated attempt by government and the private sector to use the strengths in the food industry in order to enhance enterprise and job creation. Between the experience built up by a leading retailer and the resources of our business development agency, we can ensure that Irish high potential enterprises in this sector can expand to their full potential.

In the coming months I will be exploring other areas of the economy where the great potential of business mentoring can be used to support Irish start-ups and ensure that we support in any way we can the businesses and jobs of the future. 

Read the full press release here.