Food Works is a government-supported accelerator programme that helps develop the next generation of scalable and export-driven Irish food & drinks businesses.
Food Works is a government-supported accelerator programme designed to help export-orientated entrepreneurs become part of Ireland’s growing food and drink industry. Established in 2012, Food Works is run by three government agencies – Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc. In this time Food Works has helped more than 70 Irish food entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
Food Works is run through a series of workshops and one to one mentoring. Successful participants are given an invaluable range of practical business supports required to develop an initial concept into a winning food product with international appeal and global export potential.
The available supports include consumer market research, business plan development, technical advice and commercial viability testing. Additionally, successful applicants can gain fast-track access to research and development (R&D) facilities, potential investors and state funding. In the 2020 Food Works Programme, companies who participate in the programme can avail of funding of up to €35,000 to support the growth of their business.
Food Works is open to all determined and energetic individuals with an interest in building an international food business in Ireland. The ideal candidates are ambitious entrepreneurs or companies less than 4 years trading that wish to target new exports markets and scale their business. It is envisaged that the company will have an innovative product either already developed or in development.
Resources needed
Finance and staff resources from Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Teagasc. Cost of Mentoring, consultants and workshops funded by Enterprise Ireland valued at €50,000 for each participating business.
The Food Works Programme costs businesses €3,000 to participate.
Evidence of success
Since 2012, Food Works has worked with over 80 start-ups to develop scalable and export focussed business ideas. The success of the programme to date includes:
• One in three have already achieved export success
• €1.5m was generated in export sales in 2016 alone
• Global markets reached span four continents: Europe, Africa, Asia and North America
• Over €2 million in funding from Enterprise Ireland has been secured
Potential for learning or transfer
This Good Practice has the potential to be transferred into other region providing a similar partnership can be developed by public sector economic development agencies.
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Tags: Agriculture, Business, Entrepreneurship, Food, SME, Startups
