Bord Bia’s €400k fund for food and drink firms
The details of the the ‘Step Change Programme’ were outlined to over 170 small businesses gathered in Dublin for Bord Bia’s fifth annual Small Business Open Day.
The grant scheme is aimed at companies, with a turnover between €100,000 and €5m, which are embarking on a new project to take their business to the next level.
In 2015, Bord Bia expects the ‘Step Change Programme’ will benefit at least eight high potential Irish businesses with individual grants of up to €50,000.
Minister of the State Tom Hayes, speaking at the open day, told delegates that Ireland needs entrepreneurs.
“We have to have risk takers who will venture out and set up businesses that directly contribute to economic recovery.”
Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia’s director of Food and Beverages, said the new enhanced grants programme has been designed to assist progressive small food, drink and horticulture companies to fund a significant project that will positively impact the company’s growth.
Applicants must demonstrate new, innovative developments and activities, which will involve a considerable departure for the company.
Bord Bia’s existing financial programme, Marketing Assistance Programme, which provided 186 companies with a total of €976,000 in marketing grant aid in 2014, will operate as normal.
The closing date for receipt of applications for both the financial programmes is Friday, February 6.
