FROM HARD SLOG TO TOP DOG

The call for applications is for those active in the Manufacturing & Internationally Traded Services sectors
including the following subsectors:

• Cloud Computing
• Internet
• Games
• Apps
• Mobile
• SaaS

Enterprise Ireland’s Graduate Competitive Start Fund can turn your business ambition into an international success. It can:

• Develop your business
• Provide business development support
• Provide funding up to €50,000
• Enterprise Software
• Lifesciences
• Food
• Cleantech
• Industrial Products

HOW THE GRADUATE COMPETITIVE START FUND CAN SUPPORT YOUR START-UP BUSINESS

The fund enables companies to reach key commercial and technical milestones, for example: 

• Evaluate overseas market opportunities and reach firm conclusions regarding the viability of the proposed business. 
• Build a prototype.
• Secure a reference site.
• Develop a market entry plan for exploiting international opportunities.
• Secure partnership deal or strategic alliance.
• Identify suitable channels to international markets.
• Secure third party investment e.g. business angel, Venture Capital.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

The Graduate Competitive Start Fund is open to:

• Existing or potential clients of Enterprise Ireland’s High
• Potential Start-Up Department.
• Be a graduate within the last 3 years (from date of application) of a third level qualification with NFQ Level 8 accreditation or higher.
• Individuals who, prior to Enterprise Ireland’s investment, will register a company which will be active in these sectors. 
• Individuals who, prior to Enterprise Ireland’s investment, will have a headquarters registered and be based in Ireland. All intellectual property and assets must reside in the Irish entity.

In addition applicants must:

• Be a manufacturing or an internationally traded services business.
• Not have received equity funding of more than €100K prior to the competition closing date i.e, Ordinary shares, Convertible Preference Shares, Convertible Loan Notes and Directors Loans. Sweat equity does not apply.
• Be pre-trading or recently commenced trading, i.e. does not have annual revenues in excess of ¤60k in the current financial year to date or in any previous financial year.
• Be less than five years old from date of registration.
• Be capable of creating 10 jobs in Ireland and realising sales of €1m within 3 years of starting up or, where a company is required to have FDA or CE approval, within three years of approval to sell.
• Not be involved in activities that fall within gambling or “gaming” as defined in the Gaming & Lotteries Act 1956.

FUNDING & DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Applications are considered on a competitive basis. The maximum support available is ¤50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake in the start-up company. Successful applicants will be appointed a mentor who will work with the company for up to 10 sessions and be awarded a place on SPRINT, a specifically designed 6 month development programme for start up companies.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be made via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System. If you are a first-time applicant you will be required to register on the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System. The application process involves a written online application including a video pitch.

START THE JOURNEY FROM CAMPUS TO CEO WITH THE GRADUATE COMPETITIVE START FUND

To find out more about: 

• Eligibility criteria 
• How to apply
• Evaluation process

E-mail csf@enterprise-ireland.com

Tel + 353 1 727 2202 (9am - 5pm)

Visit enterprise-ireland.com/graduatecsf