Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc have launched Food Works 2021 – a government-supported accelerator programme that provides a launchpad for Irish food and drink businesses to grow.
They are seeking Irish food and drink entrepreneurs, who are using creativity and innovation to build their business despite the current challenges, to apply for the development programme.
Successful applicants will participate in an intensive growth programme with access to feasibility grant funding of up to €35,000 for each company.
The funding will provide them with the support to develop their early stage product into an investment-ready food and drink product with international appeal.
Food Works programme
Now in its ninth year, the programme provides high-potential food and drink businesses with a range of business supports including consumer market research; research and development expertise; investor-ready business plan development; technical advice; and commercial viability planning.
Since the creation of Food Works, almost 100 food and drink businesses have been accepted on to the programme and previous Food Works alumni include Wicklow Wolf; Nobó; FIID; and Bean & Goose Chocolate.
Commenting on the launch of the 2021 recruitment campaign, Nicola Nic Pháidín, Manager Food HPSU (High Potential Start-Ups) with Enterprise Ireland, said:
“Since the creation of the Food Works programme, we have been so impressed by the entrepreneurship and innovation of up-and-coming Irish food and drink businesses.
The challenges now facing business owners have never been greater and we are here to support and guide Irish food and drink entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and become successful brands.
“Often in times of crisis comes creativity and this year we are looking for businesses that are demonstrating innovation and resilience despite the impact of Covid-19,” she said.
Food Works
Food Works is a government-supported accelerator programme that helps the next generation of scalable and export-driven Irish food and drink businesses.
Established in 2012, Food Works is run by three government agencies – Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc. Food Works is run through a series of workshops and one-to-one mentoring.
It is envisaged that the company will have an innovative product either already developed or in development.
Candidates may apply on an individual basis, as part of a team or as a company if it has been in existence for less than four years.
Applications for the 2021 Food Works programme close on January 29, 2021.