Food Works was established in 2012 and since then has welcomed over 100 companies through the programme, including hugely successful food and drink brands such as Wicklow Wolf, Nobó, The Lismore Food Company, Fiid and Thanks Plants, to name just a few. The programme, which combines the resources of three Government agencies – Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc – has been a fundamental driver of innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector in the last decade.
Food Works is currently seeking applications from high-potential, ambitious start-up food and drink businesses to take part in the 2023 programme. Successful applicants can receive feasibility grant funding of up to €35,000. In addition, since the programme began, 19 participants have successfully secured High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) investments and 17 companies have received Competitive Start-Up Funding (CSF). To celebrate 10 years, Food Works also launched a video podcast series featuring interviews with leading Irish food and drink companies who have been through the programme, and Food Works business advisers and mentors offering tips and advice for early-stage food and drink companies considering taking part.
Among those interviewed was Simon Lynch from Wicklow Wolf who, along with his business partner Quincey Fennelly, took part in Food Works in 2013. Speaking about the opportunity the programme offers, he said, “Food Works gave us an opportunity to really focus on what we were trying to do. We had a business plan coming into the programme and the Food Works team helped us to analyse and drill down into it. The one we landed on, with the help of the Food Works mentors, is the one we ultimately stuck by. Food Works also provided a huge networking opportunity. Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Teagasc opened up a whole new network for us, which ultimately provided access to HPSU funding we received from Enterprise Ireland. This gave us a really solid footing to move the company into the future.”
Food Works 2023
Food Works runs annually over 10 months from February to November. Participating start-ups are supported to get investor-ready by developing a comprehensive business plan focused on scaling internationally. Successful applicants take part in workshops with national and international industry experts across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, product development and marketing. They also receive customised support from business advisers, facilitated peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities across the industry – at home and abroad.
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The three state agencies, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, work jointly to deliver the Food Works programme. Bord Bia provides strategic insight and support, assisting participating companies in their understanding of consumers, competitors, trends, opportunities and both domestic and international markets. Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in global markets. Its Food Division focuses on supporting high-potential food and drink companies on developing their export sales. Meanwhile, Teagasc provides integrated research, technical advice, and training services. Its state-of-the-art food centres in Dublin and Cork provide participants with access to facilities, equipment, and specialist expertise.
The closing date for applications for the 2023 programme is 2nd December 2022. Full details and an application form are available at FoodWorksIreland.ie