State Support for Young Entrepreneurs

Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor TD, has encouraged any young entrepreneurs with a viable start up business idea to apply for the Competitive Start Fund which was launched by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD today (Thursday 26th January).

“Jobs,jobs, job, are the key to getting Ireland back on its feet. Since coming into Government, we have commenced a number of initiatives aimed at promoting and maintaining employment. This next round for the Competitive Start Fund, which is rolled out by Enterprise Ireland, is open to start-ups from both ICT and Industrial sectors including sub-sectors such as Internet, Games, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Telecoms, Lifesciences, Cleantech and Industrial Products”.

Under the terms of the Competitive Start Fund, start ups will receive an equity investment of up to €50,000 and will be provided with an experienced business mentor to support them. The closing date for applicant is Thursday 9th February and further information on the scheme and how to apply are available on www.enterprise-ireland.com/csf .

“Although multinational companies in Ireland are a necessity, it is also vital that we produce home-grown companies that can contribute to our growing export market. Ireland has a reputation for having a smart, well educated, workforce and I am certain that there are many ideas circulating within out IT sectors that, if given the chance, could become the next Google or Facebook. It is imperative that these ideas are given the support to flourish” concluded Anthony Lawlor TD.