€250k fund to boost number of female-led export firms

A €250,000 fund aimed at boosting the number of export-orientated firms which are run by female entrepreneurs has been set up by Enterprise Ireland.

The Competitive Feasibility Fund is also aimed at increasing the amount of Enterprise Ireland high potential start-ups led by women. The fund — which is aimed at early-stage firms and helps them to gauge if there exists a viable market for their products — will range from €12,000 to €25,000 per company, depending on their needs. The window for applicants is open now and will remain so until Sept 10.

It will be followed, in October, by the launch of another EI fund — a Competitive Start Fund — again for female-fronted firms. This fund will offer €50,000 to more established companies in need of funding to push them on to the next stage of their growth.