Minister Sherlock and Enterprise Ireland Announce New €200k Fund for Cork Entrepreneurs

The Minister for Research and Innovation Mr Seán Sherlock TD, today (Wednesday) announced a new €200,000 EnterpriseIreland fund to help entrepreneurs in Cork explore the feasibility of their start-up ideas.

The fund can provide up to €25,000 towards the cost of a feasibility study to help new entrepreneurs to validate their start-up ideas.  The aim of the fund is to boost start-ups and stimulate growth and job creation in CorkCity and County. 

The deadline for applications is 6pm on Friday 25^th April 2014.

Announcing the fund, Minister Sherlock said: “Cork has a strong entrepreneurship culture.  This fund is aimed at helping people who have a bright idea for an international business that can grow and provide valuable jobs in the Cork region.  I am confident that there is a wealth of creative and capable potential entrepreneurs in the County that have a business idea they’d like to put to the test.”

“The Government is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and business of all sizes through support mechanisms. This is the latest in a series of supports that can only benefit prospective success stories of the future.”

The application process will be competitive and its particular focus is on supporting innovative, growth-oriented businesses with the potential to move into export markets over time. 

Enda McDonnell, EnterpriseIreland’s Director for the South/South East Region said:

“If you have a new business idea and you are based in Cork city or county then the Cork Feasibility Fund could help you get started. If you are an entrepreneur or very early stage business with your eyes on international growth, we encourage you to review details of the scheme …it might be just what you have been looking for to test the commercial potential of your business idea.”

Full details of the fund including the application form are available on the Enterprise Ireland website: www.enterprise-ireland.com/corkfund. 

Enquiries can be directed to corkfund@enterprise-ireland.com or by phoning EnterpriseIreland, Cork at +353 21 4800231