The programme is an intensive business development and accelerator programme designed for food and drink start-ups. Those with an interest in building an international food or drink business in Ireland are being sought for participation.
Over the past three years, following a competitive process attracting in excess of 250 proposals, a total of 60 start-ups from all food sectors have participated in Food Works.
The Food Works team have revealed that 60% of these businesses are now trading which is deemed extremely positive given the high rate of start-up failures within the first 12 months of launching, while 32% of them have started exporting.
Through a series of workshops and one to one mentoring, successful participants are given a range of practical business supports required to develop an initial concept into a winning food product with global export potential.
“Developing a food business can be a daunting task”
The available supports provided by Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland, include consumer market research, business plan development, technical advice, commercial viability testing in addition to access to fast track access to R&D facilities and possible investors and state funding.
Speaking this week, Natalie and Karen Keane of Bean & Goose chocolate company said, “Developing a food business can be a daunting task, however this programme offers the necessary practical supports for any entrepreneur considering this move.
“It was a great opportunity for us to access the expertise of Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland whose support has enabled us to put a business plan in place that will grow Bean and Goose in the coming years.”
Interested participants are invited to register online for an introduction meeting in Dublin, Fermoy or Athenry via www.foodworksireland.ie
- Tuesday, 8th March, Teagasc, MoorePark, Fermoy, Cork
- Thursday, 10th March, Enterprise Ireland, Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin
- Tuesday, 22nd March, Enterprise Ireland, Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin
- Tuesday, 5th April, Teagasc, Athenry, Galway
