Businesses in Donegal
interested in product development, new export market
opportunities or expanding on an innovative idea for
their enterprise – may now be able to avail of new
investment fund opportunities through the Local
Enterprise Office.
Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters and the LEO
Innovation Investment Fund are new programmes
designed to help small businesses hoping to move to
a new level.
According to Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael
Tunney, the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters
has been designed to enable clients to take the
first steps in new product development, service
development or exploring new market opportunities.
"The programme is aimed primarily at the existing
LEO client portfolio, but it does extend to
potential portfolio clients within the general
eligibility criteria of the financial instruments."
This, he explained, means applications can be
received from any commercially viable business
employing less than 10 people, established and
registered in Donegal that has a demonstrated market
for their product or service and the potential to
grow or export as well as potential for job
creation.
The maximum grant awarded under the Technical
Assistance for Micro Exporters is €2,500 at the rate
of 50%
Meanwhile Mr. Tunney added that the LEO Innovation
Investment Fund has an overall investment fund of
€1.5 million across the network of 31 Local
Enterprise Offices and targets investor ready LEO
clients who wish to start, grow or develop
innovative micro enterprises.
"Applications will be made online and those selected
will participate on a short highly focused Investor
Ready Programme. The programme will incorporate 1 +1
mentoring to assist the promotor prepare an investor
ready plan.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants
will have the opportunity to make a formal pitch to
an Investor Panel to potentially secure a LEO Grant
Investment of €25k to fund their innovative business
startup or development."
Businesses in Donegal interested in finding out more
information or making an application for the
Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters should
contact Ursula Donnelly by sending an e.mail to
ursula.donnelly@leo.donegalcoco.ie .
Any business interested in finding out about or
applying for the Leo Innovation Investment Fund
should visit their website on -
www.liif.ie . |
