The Competitive Start Fund for Graduate Entrepreneurship opens today for applications.

A 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 closes at 3pm on Wednesday 23rd July 2014. 

The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets.  The fund is designed to enable those companies 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.

Further information is available here:-

http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/EI_Corporate/en/funding-supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Competitive-Start-Fund-Graduate-Entrepreneurship.html#Eligible