Enterprise Ireland launches new accelerator programme

Enterprise Ireland is to host a new accelerator programme, JumpStart, to run in conjunction with its Competitive Start Fund call this month.

The Competitive Start Fund is in its 12th call for applicants since launch in January 201. Some 170 businesses have received €50,000 in return for a 10 per cent ordinary equity stake. The fund helps start-up companies expand into overseas markets.

John O’Dea, department manager of high potential start-ups at Enterprise Ireland, says most applicants tend to be operating in the digital, software and software services sectors.

Eventmama and Clubapp
Louise Caldwell of Eventmama and Barry Nestor of Clubapp are two of the 15 latest recipients of the grant.
Eventmama is an online marketplace for event organisers to source and book venues, catering suppliers and entertainers for corporate events. The site is aimed at corporate employees who are tasked with organising functions .

Sales support
Ms Caldwell says the €50,000 grant will enable her to hire an employee to handle marketing and operations and essentially to support sales.

Sporting application Clubapp features live scoring from sports clubs. Clients include those engaged in rugby, golf, GAA and football and include Kinsale and Miltown golf clubs, Na Fianna GAA club, Airtricity League Football, UCD Rugby and schools such as St Michael's.

Mr Nestor says the funding will allow him to give Clubapp his full commitment, to employ an additional sales person and to develop the product as a market leader.