Competitive Start Fund (CSF)

The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capacity to succeed in global markets. The fund is designed to enable those companies to reach key technical and commercial milestones.

Applicants to the fund should ideally be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Be able to clearly demonstrate that product or service has reached MVP stage, and that the product is, at a minimum, live in beta.
  • That the product or service has demonstrable customer validation with (trial and/or paying) customers.
  • A fully articulated proposition addressing a clear gap in the market with market research conducted with customers / potential customers.
  • Evidence of innovation, export potential and employment capacity. Clear market opportunity for the proposed product or service. Clear knowledge of the competitive landscape.
  • Clear execution plan outlined, identifying suitable channels to international markets.

Assessments are undertaken on the applications submitted, it is important to note that the greater the progress the applicant has undertaken towards generating sustainable revenues the stronger the application. Applications from projects that are at idea, concept or design stage may be considered to require further development before applying for the competitive start fund.

Download Start-up Showcase Directory 2018

All applications to the Competitive Start Fund must be made via the Enterprise Ireland online application system during call open dates.

 

Upcoming Competitive Start Fund 2018 Call Dates

Call NoCall NameCall OpenCall Close
No. 50All Sectors - with focus on ICT23rd Jan6th Feb
No. 51Regional Entrepreneurship 27th Feb13th March
No. 52Graduate Entrepreneurship10th Apr24th Apr
No. 53Female Entrepreneurship1st May15th May
No. 54Fintech & Deep Tech (AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, blockchain & cloud)19th June3rd July
No. 55Marine & Agritech10th July24th July
No. 56International Entrepreneurs21st Aug4th Sept
No. 57Experienced Business Professionals21st Aug4th Sept
No. 58All Sectors ** Call now open **18th Sept2nd Oct

Please note: call open and close dates outlined above are subject to change.

 

Key contact/more information

For more information on the Competitive Start Fund, please contact:

csf@enterprise-ireland.com
+353 1 727 2202 (9am - 5pm)

If you are not a client of Enterprise Ireland and want to learn more about qualifying and applying for Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up supports, go to our Start a Business Section