Definition of this Stage
- You have an idea or concept for a business which you believe can be the basis of a new High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) company and you are interested in exploring supports available from Enterprise Ireland.
- You may, or may not, have established a company and may be working part-time or full-time on the business idea.
What Enterprise Ireland Look at this Stage
At this stage Enterprise Ireland will need information about your business and your development plans to establish if your business idea is eligible for support and investment as a High Potential Start-Up.
You will need to have a business plan, or at a minimum, an outline business proposition that addresses where you/your company is positioned, outlining:
- The proposed company offering to market – what are you proposing to sell (is it a technology, a finished product or a service) and why is your offering innovative compared to existing solutions on the market at present.
- The background and experience of the entrepreneur/founder(s) and any other people involved in the proposed company – this should clearly set out the commercial, professional and technical track record of the entrepreneur and the start-up team, highlighting capabilities that can assist in moving the project forward, and also any skills or expertise gaps that will need to be addressed in developing the start-up company.
- The proposed business model or “go-to-market strategy” of the company – this should set out how the company intends to operate. Will the company manufacture in-house or subcontract, will the product or service be sold directly or via sales partners e.g. channels to market, resellers, strategic partners, licensing arrangements, direct selling to end customers, online sales etc?
- The target customers – any information from potential customers that support the need or interest in your company’s offering provides a strong commercial focus to a start-up proposition, outlining the companies or customers that you intend to sell to and, if available, a pipeline of customers.
- Your funding requirements for starting the business and implementing your initial development and commercialisation plans. This section should clearly outline any cash investment from the founders, private investment raised and financial support that you have received or applied for from other government agencies.
Enterprise Ireland supports at this stage
There is no financial assistance available until the company has been classified as "eligible" for High Potential Start-Up supports.
The Enterprise Ireland Start-Up Team will, however, discuss and review your start-up plans.
To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to contact the Enterprise Ireland Start-Up Team to discuss your business idea, go to our Do I Qualify as a High Potential Start-Up section. However, if you are currently based outside of Ireland, please visit our Overseas Entrepreneurs section.
