€10million competitive fund to support more start-ups in every county of the country. 

Two thirds of all new jobs are created by start-ups in their first five years of existence.

As part of the Government’s Regional Action plan for Jobs, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices and other public, private and community organisations that support the job-creation are being invited to bid for funding to create new collaborative projects that will unleash the jobs potential in their locality.

The initiative comprises two funds, with a closing date of 10th July 2015:

1. A €5million LEO fund, covering the period 2015-2017, open to groups of Local Enterprise Offices who come together to bid for funding for projects to support job-creation initiatives in their areas. The funding will be awarded on a competitive basis to the projects with the greatest capacity to create jobs.

2. A €5million Community Enterprise Initiatives fund, open to groups and organisations in every county of the country who come together with ideas for projects to create jobs. The fund will be awarded on a competitive basis to the projects with the greatest capacity to create jobs. Examples of projects which might succeed could include – hiring skilled people who could assist with mentoring businesses, investing in hubs and co-working space where businesses could work in their early days. Further information about the €5million Community Enterprise Initiative, together with application forms, is available at www.enterprise-ireland.com/communityenterpriseintiative 

The new initiative forms part of the Government’s €250million Regional Action Plan for Jobs, and will provide funding for organisations and groups in every county of the country. Action Plans are currently being developed for all 8 regions of the country, coordinated by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. At the heart of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs process is the principle that while Government can provide funding and coordination, many of the best ideas for job-creation around the country will come from the people working on the ground in every area of the country.
The funds are an opportunity for local groups to come up with their own innovative solutions that will boost job creation locally.