Competitive Start Fund - Call for applications Opening Soon

Competitive Start Fund 


Call for applications Opening Soon

Enterprise Ireland will launch two calls for applications to the Competitive Start Fund on 1st April 2015 and will close on 15th April, 2015 at 3pm.

  • CSF 23 – Graduate EntrepreneurshipOpen for applications from recent graduates active in the Manufacturing & Internationally Traded Services sectors including the following subsectors: Internet, Games, Apps, Mobile, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Cleantech and Industrial Products.

Additional eligibility criteria applies for this call only:Must be a graduate within the last 3 years (from date of application) of a third level qualification with NFQ level 8 accreditation or higher; Please note individuals who are currently sitting their NFQ Level 8 exams this year are eligible to apply for Enterprise Irelands Graduate Competitive Start Fund. Applicants must have prior to legal’s written notification from their educational institution of final results indicating that they will be conferred with a degree of at least NFQ level 8 or equivalent.

  • CSF 24 – All SectorsA call for applications for those active in the Manufacturing & Internationally Traded Services sectors including the following subsectors: Internet, Games, Apps, Mobile, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Cleantech and Industrial Products. 

PLEASE NOTE for Calls No. 23 & 24 (outlined above), opening on the 1st April, 2015, applicants are restricted to apply to one call only, either the Graduate Entrepreneurship OR the All Sectors call. Applicants who apply for both may be deemed ineligible.

Overview of the Competitive Start FundThe Competitive Start Fund is targeted at start up and early stage companies in the ICT and Industrial sectors. The Fund will provide these young companies with the critical early stage funding to achieve the key commercial and technical milestones that will ensure delivery of their product or service and/or will get their project to a key funding milestone.

What is the maximum funding available? The selected companies will receive a maximum investment of €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake in the start-up company. The investment shall be released in two equal tranches. The Company will be required to secure additional equity investment of €5,000, from promoters or external investees, prior to the release of EI’s first tranche.

What is the call close date?This call for applications will close on Wednesday 15th April 2015, at 3pm. 

How do companies apply?Applications must be made through the Enterprise Ireland online application system. 

For more information:

Log on to: http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/csf

Email:  csf@enterprise-ireland.com Ring the dedicated Help Line 01 727 2202