Supports for Food Business

County Monaghan is a key player is food and drinks production nationally. The well established entrepreneurial spirit within the county, where 21.3 per cent of people are self employed as compared to 16.9 per cent nationally, will help to maintain this position as a industry leader. Here at the Local Enterprise Office, Monaghan we are committed to supporting the food industry. County Monaghan's Food Strategy 2017 - 2020 is available at the bottom of the page.

There are many supports available to new and existing food producers including funding for eligible businesses, mentoring, networking, management development training and promotional opportunities. In addition, there are three programmes that are specifically designed to support businesses in the food sector, as set out below:

Digital School of Food

Digital School of Food is an e-learning hub that has been designed to support food producers in developing their food manufacturing businesses from start-up to the growth phase. It is designed to allow producers to upskill in their own time and, at a pace which suits them. 

Food Starter

The Food Starter Programme is a two day programme designed to help those with a food idea, or those at a very early stage of starting up a food business. It will cover everything from an overview of the Irish food sector to the specifics of starting a food production business. To find out more, contact your local enterprise office for details of the next programme.

Food Academy

The Food Academy Start Programme is designed for people who are looking to develop and grow small-scale food and drink manufacturing businesses. The programme is supported by Bord Bia and Supervalu ans involves a live product trial on shelves in Supervalu stores. It is aimed at those in the early stages of development and it is delivered through a mix of workshops and one-to-one mentoring. To find out more, please contact us on 047 71818 for details of the next programme. 

Monaghan Food Strategy 2017 - 2020