Overview of the Competitive Start Fund

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.

If successful in progressing to pitch the applicant may be required to supply contacts of (trial and/or paying) customers prior to any Enterprise Ireland formal approval as part of our due diligence process.

The Competitive Start Fund (CSF) aims to support early stage start-ups.  A competition, specifically for Female Entrepreneurs or female-led start-ups, active in the Manufacturing & Internationally Traded Services sectors including the following subsectors: Internet, Games, Apps, Mobile, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Cleantech and Industrial Products will open on Tuesday 1st May, 2018 and close on 15th May, 2018 at 3pm.

• Completed application forms must be submitted through the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System by 3pm on Tuesday 15th May, 2018.
• A Video Pitch must be submitted on the Sonru.com platform by 11:59pm on Tuesday 15th May, 2018 (when you commence the application form an email regarding the video pitch will be sent to you separately).

A valid application must contain both a video pitch and complete application form.