Got an idea? Enterprise Ireland have €750k for female start-ups

Have you got the world’s next big business idea up your sleeve? Or maybe you reckon you could give Richard Branson a run for his money?

Well now’s your chance to make it happen.

Enterprise Ireland have launched a €750k Competitive Start Fund, especially designed for female entrepreneurs.

15 women with early stage start-up companies will be eligible to receive up to €50k in equity funding.

The Competitive Start Fund (CSF) aims to propel the growth of female-led, Irish start-up companies, which have the potential to employ more than 10 people.

The fund will enable those companies to reach major commercial and technical milestones, while also assisting in the delivery of the product or service to an international consumer base.

10 of the successful applicants will also be invited to participate in Dublin BIC’s INNOVATE accelerator programme.

The 12-week, interactive programme will be held in the Guinness Enterprise Centre and aims to prepare participants for potential investments and expansion.

Sarita Johnston, female entrepreneurship manager at Enterprise Ireland, had this to say about the growth on female-led start-ups in Ireland:

‘’Working with ambitious start-ups led by women is a key focus for Enterprise Ireland, we have seen a major leap in female-led early-stage companies since the commencement of our initiatives in 2012, from 7pc of high potential start-ups to 20pc in 2016’’

Budding entrepreneurs have until 3pm on Wednesday May 17 to apply.