Competitive Start Fund (CSF)
The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to become High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Companies. HPSUs are start-up businesses with the potential to develop an innovative product or service for sale on international markets and the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 to 4 years of starting up.
Download Start-up Showcase Directory 2018
The fund is designed to enable those companies reach key commercial and technical milestones, for example:
- Evaluate overseas market opportunities and reach firm conclusions regarding the viability of the proposed business.
- Build a prototype.
- Secure a reference site.
- Develop a market entry plan for exploiting international opportunities.
- Secure partnership deal or strategic alliance.
- Identify suitable channels to international markets.
- Secure third party investment e.g. business angel, Venture Capital.
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 No | Call Name | Call Open | Call Close |
|---|
| No. 50 | All Sectors - with focus on ICT | 23rd Jan | 6th Feb |
| No. 51 | Regional Entrepreneurship | 27th Feb | 13th March |
| No. 52 | Graduate Entrepreneurship | 10th Apr | 24th Apr |
| No. 53 | Female Entrepreneurship | 1st May | 15th May |
| No. 54 | Fintech & Deep Tech (AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, blockchain & cloud) | 29th May | 12th June |
| No. 55 | Marine & Agtech | 26th June | 10th July |
| No. 56 | International Entrepreneurs | 21st Aug | 4th Sept |
| No. 57 | Experienced Business Professionals | 21st Aug | 4th Sept |
| No. 58 | All Sectors with focus on Manuf/Lifesciences/Renewables | 18th Sept | 2nd 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
