The funding news was confirmed on Friday by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment who released €8.24m in grants for 95 Enterprise Centres around the country under Enterprise Ireland’s Enterprise Centres Fund.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said:

“I am really pleased to make this funding available through by Department. It will help enterprise centres all over the country to modernise their facilities protecting the health and safety of people who work there and helping to secure much needed jobs.”

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland added: 

“Over the past 20 years, Enterprise Centres have provided important infrastructure for entrepreneurs and are an essential part of the start-up ecosystem across Ireland. The Centres, many of which are regionally based, provide space, connectivity, mentoring and support to start-up founders and teams, helping them to scale internationally.” 

“The funding announced today through Enterprise Ireland will ensure that the Enterprise Centres, many of whom have been negatively impacted by Covid-19, can sustain their businesses, pivot and further develop their services to support the next wave of Irish start-up companies.”

Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at DkIT added:

“We are delighted to receive additional funding to extend our much needed services to indigenous businesses in our region at this time. The impact of COVID-19 alongside, the uncertainty surrounding BREXIT has brought unforeseen challenges to businesses in the border region. This is an critical time for companies to review and adapt their business models, explore opportunities for diversification, invest in lean business techniques and be prepared to become export-ready. The Regional Development Centre provides a suite of services including mentorship, incubation, access to skills training, enterprise development programmes and support for grant applications. We are here to support our local business community and renewed funding will enable us to invest in our services and equipment for the benefit of our region.”

The Enterprise Centre Fund, which was launched in August, was open to both not-for-profit and for-profit enterprise centres which have seen their income significantly impacted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 95 enterprise centres, which are in every region of the country, will receive grants ranging from €10k to €150k.