Eighty-four new start-up firms supported by Enterprise Ireland generated sales of €250 million and exports of almost €93 million.
Speaking at the presentation of the Mallin/Invest start-up awards at Dublin City University, the Tanaiste said: "This demonstrates quite clearly that not all new jobs are created by large multinationals locating their business in Ireland and underlines the important role played by the indigenous small business sector in the Irish economy."
The 84 start ups had created 3,600 over the past three years. The Tanaiste also acknowledged the role played by DCU in supporting entrepreneurship. "Fifty business plans of a very high standard were submitted by members of the DCU Community," she said.
She said the college's "new incubation centre for start-up companies has been in operation for two years and already 21 companies are developing the products and services here".
The award programme is to encourage DCU students to set up a new business. The winner of the award programme benefits from funding and supports valued at €60,000.
