Elevate Programme To Fund Microbusinesses
7th October 2016
InterTradeIreland has announced that it currently has funding available for small and micro businesses looking to explore new cross-border markets through its sales development programme, Elevate.
Through Elevate, InterTradeIreland provides sector-specific sales support of up to £5,000/€6,000 across a range of sectors including food and beverage, ICT, construction and engineering as well as many others.
Paddy Savage (pictured), Operations Manager Trade Programmes at InterTradeIreland said: “In light of the recent referendum result, now is the time for small businesses to get a foothold in the cross-border market. New trade agreements won’t take effect for some time. Companies should use this advantageous period to work within a secured market, rather than deferring business activity until a potential period of intense regulation change. Our recent Business Monitor Report showed that, at the time of the referendum, 97% of businesses in Ireland had no plans to deal with Brexit. InterTradeIreland’s Elevate programme can give micro-businesses invaluable support to grow their markets.”
“The cross-border market is often an under-utilised but logical first step for businesses to develop wider export markets, giving them experience of working within a different legislative system and managing across a different currency. Once mastered, this makes looking at European markets a more realistic prospect.
The Elevate Programme specifically helps small businesses to identify sales leads in the cross-border market. It was designed with simplicity in mind to remove as much bureaucracy as possible. Supporting businesses with under 10 employees, the application process is simple and the assistance provided is as practical as possible. Companies are not required to provide any matching funding. I would urge all interested small businesses with less than £1 million turnover and fewer than 10 employees to register their interest and apply to Elevate today.”
Small businesses participating in ‘Elevate’ can then choose from a list of more than 100 experienced industry specialists who will help them to diversify their business. The consultants will work with the company to design specially tailored support programme. They can choose from a number of practical supports – identifying sales leads in the cross-border market, attending or advising on key relationship building meetings, negotiating deals, sharing relevant market insights, identifying market research requirements and offering advice on the development of marketing materials. – all dependent on the needs of the successful applicants.
