Small businesses can take it to the next level by applying for Bord Bia’s €400,000 fund – Bannon

“Bord Bia has launched a €400,000 fund targeted at small businesses in the food, drink and horticulture sector, and I would encourage all local eligible businesses to apply” says Tom Barry, Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Member of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee.

“Bord Bia’s ‘Step Change Programme’ is aimed at food, drink or horticulture companies with a turnover of between €100,000 and €5m. These companies are all eligible to apply for grants of up to €50,000.

“At least eight Irish businesses identified as having great potential will receive these valuable grants.

“Fine Gael in Government has targeted the agriculture sector to play a significant role in our economic recovery.   We have seen the impact of this with five years of consecutive growth and exceptional results for exports in the food and drinks sector reaching €10.5 billion in 2014.  

“New business and supporting entrepreneurs is also central to Government policy and this fund is in-keeping with our commitment to create jobs and to make work pay.

“I would encourage all those eligible and interested in this fund to apply and to avail of the opportunity to take your business to the next level.”