New Fund for Agri-Business Start Ups recognises importance of this sector for Rural Ireland – Heydon

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South and Chair of Fine Gael’s Internal Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Martin Heydon, has today (Tuesday) welcomed the launch by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Richard Bruton of a new €250,000 Enterprise Ireland Competitive Feasibility Fund for start-up enterprises in the Agri-Business Sector.

“I am delighted to see this fund, which can provide up to €25,000 per project, launched today.   It is worthy recognition by Enterprise Ireland and the Minister of the huge talent, expertise and know how that exists in the Agri-Business sector in many parts of Ireland.

“Creating jobs and supporting work remains this Government’s top priority.   I have always maintained that to boost our recovery, we need to concentrate on what we are good at and build on those established strengths.   This fund, which will support growth and expansion in rural Ireland, is a good example of that and marks the delivery of a key measure under the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs.

“The fund is open to applications from individuals, early stage companies or prospective businesses operating in the agri-business sector including; machine design & manufacturing; fabrication, engineering & technical activities; life science products with application in the agri-sector; farm related software and related services; vet-pharma, animal health and chemical products.  

“The fund is now open for applications and will remain open until Tuesday, 21^st October 2014.    I would encourage anyone with a small business opportunity or idea for a business in this sector to get in touch with Enterprise Ireland on 090 6487100 for further details.”