Ireland's food entrepreneurs sought for development programme

The Food Works programme, which is jointly run by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, works via a series of workshops and one-to-one mentoring.

Programme participants are given a range of practical business supports required to develop an initial concept into a winning food product.

Now, Food Works is looking for ambitious individuals to participate in this year’s programme.

Introductory meetings are shortly due to be held with people interested in being a part of the programme, to give them an insight into whether it is the right support for them and their business.

Ideal applicants are ambitious food or drink entrepreneurs, or companies trading for less than three years, who wish to target export markets and scale their business.

Interested participants are invited to register online for an introduction meeting in Dublin, Fermoy or Athenry via www.foodworksireland.ie:

Following this, companies will be asked to complete a formal application for Food Works bootcamp on 26 and 27 May, from which up to 15 companies will be selected to progress through to the programme which begins on 14 June.

Success

Over the past three years, a total of 60 start-ups from all food sectors have participated in Food Works. Some 60% of these businesses are now trading, which is positive given the high rate of start-up failures within the first 12 months of launching, while 32% of them have started exporting.

Speaking about the programme, David Carey of Nutraplenish, a producer of protein water, said: “Food Works allows you to take a step back from your business to define a clear vision and path going forward. The mentor support and industry contacts have been invaluable. Nutraplenish is teaming up with Musgrave for a nationwide launch in April of this year. We are already beginning our export journey, with our sights firmly set on the UK market initially.”