€250,000 Competitive Feasibility fund to assist agri-business – McFadden

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden TD, has today (Tuesday) highlighted the agri-business sector as a real area of potential job creation for the midlands as     the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, launched the new Enterprise Ireland €250,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund at the National Ploughing Championships.

“The new Competitive Feasibility Fund is aimed at stimulating start-ups in the agri-business sector. Agri-business is a major industry in Ireland and there is no doubt that new technology and ideas have revolutionised the work of farmers. As the industry continues to evolve and change, there are always new processes that can positively impact on productivity and make life a little easier.

“These new ideas create new businesses and create job opportunities; I am confident that agri-business can present huge opportunities in the midlands.

“The fund launched today can provide up to €25,000 per project and it is intended that new start-up companies or entrepreneurs will use the money to investigate the viability of an idea. The funding will allow those involved to fully assess where the business could go and develop strategies.

“Since coming into Government, job creation has been a central goal and the Competitive Feasibility Fund is another key measure of the Action Plan for Jobs which has created over €70,000 jobs since 2012. It is a priority to secure the recovery and supporting agri-business is a part of this.

“I would encourage all those involved in agri-business trying to get a business or an idea off the ground to utilise this fantastic opportunity.”