Funding and Business Support
These are uncertain times for both investors and entrepreneurs alike – however even in the downturn there is always opportunity. A quick scroll through twitter will reveal how our community has come together to support each other and the start-up ecosystem in Ireland.
At HBAN we believe in keeping up the momentum and have begun compiling a list of funding, opportunities, supports, educational content and news related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We will be updating the list below as more opportunities arise.
If you have anything to share, please contact us at info@hban.org.
You can follow us on Twitter @haloIreland or on LinkedIn for the latest news
Surveys
The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EIS) are in discussion with the government to expand schemes, including seeking to raise the amount of tax relief available to investors – this can act as a stimulus for increased investment.
To provide them with evidence to show the government the impact of the current situation is having on small businesses, please complete the survey below.
Take the survey here - EIS Survey
Scale Ireland has launched the COVID-19 Startup Survey to gather data on the challenges businesses are facing across Ireland and to ensure government supports are provided for viable innovation-driven startups affected by the crisis.
Take the survey here - Scale Ireland COVID-19 Startup Survey
Scale Ireland have also put together an extensive document on resources available within the startup ecosystem in Ireland. Find the document here - Scale Ireland Resources
EBAN - Impact Investing Survey
Mapping the demographics and investments activities of Business Angels &Seed Investors in the Impact Investing sector throughout the EU: access to seed & early stage capital.
Take the survey here - EBAN Impact Investing Survey
Funding Supports and Resources
Revenue Ireland
Twitter - @RevenueIE
Website - https://www.revenue.ie/
Employer Eligibility for Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme
Revenue has continued to make anouncements of upcoming schemes and supports - most recently they have announced that they will immediately pay R&D tax credit installments due in September. Applications are required. Please visit their website - Revenue Tax Credits
Enterprise Ireland
Twitter - @entirl
Website - https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/
Maintains an up to date news and funding supports platform, as well as a dedicated newsletter and resources to COVID-19 business response.
The Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund is currently open for applications until 14th April 2020 at 3pm. Find out more and submit your application below –
Competative Start Fund - Information and Applications
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Enterprise Ireland (EI), and IDA Ireland have launched a joint rapid-response call to fund research, development, and innovation (RD&I) activities that will deliver significant and timely impact for Ireland within the context of the current emergency. This call will be closely co-ordinated with the rapid response call launched by the Health Research Board (HRB) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).
Potential applicants are advised to consider their eligibility and the suitability of their proposal and to consider the most appropriate mechanism.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Application
InterTradeIreland
Twitter - @Inter_Trade
Funding supports available for Ireland and Northern Ireland.
https://intertradeireland.com/news/covid-19-support-for-businesses/
Funding advisory Service Programme
2020 Seedcorn Competition – Investor Readiness competition aimed at early and new start companies that have a new equity funding requirement. Applications close May 29th 2020.
https://intertradeireland.com/funding/seedcorn/
Invest Northern Ireland
Twitter - @InvestNI
Website - https://www.investni.com/
Local Enterprise Offices
Twitter - @Loc_Enterprise
Get in touch with your Local Enterprise Office today to see what supports there are available to you. They are currently providing amazing supports during this time such as business continuity vouchers, advice, and free webinars.
https://www.localenterprise.ie/response
Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation
Twitter - @EnterInnov
Business Continuity Planning: Checklist of preparator actions in responding to COVID-19
Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses
Ibec COVID-19 HUB
Twitter - @ibec_irl
As the country’s largest and most influential lobby group, Ibec and its 36 Trade Associations are playing a leading role in shaping the policy responses required to assist business and to provide effective guidance and support for our members.
Find out more about these initiatives and the latest news –
https://www.ibec.ie/employer-hub/covid-19
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Hosting a series of webinars to provide insights, advice and trusted opinions for small businesses impacted by COVID19.
Find our more and register below –
https://freshbusinessthinking.heysummit.com/
The Entrepreneurs Academy
Twitter - @Entre_Academy
They have put together a list of helpful business resources and are hosting online networking sessions.
https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/resources/
Linked Finance
Simple loans for small businesses - providing funding for SME working capital needs.
For more information contact Robert Davis - robert.davis@linkedfinance.com
Leman Solicitors
Offering free legal advice sessions for HBAN's members and their respective investees. For more information contact info@hban.org and we will be happy to put you in touch.
Business Innovation Centres
One of the best ways to keep apprised of resources, webinars and supports available to businesses is to follow the regional Business Innovation Centres around Ireland! They continue to produce and share incredible content and are always there to listen and offer advice!
Furthr
Twitter - @Furthr_ie
Website - https://furthr.ie/
Along with their regular content and supports, Furthr has launched The Panel@Furthr. They are offering discussions and insights on the current startup ecosystem in Ireland and abroad, including topics such as ‘Crisis drives creativity’.
Check out their Youtube Channel!
Cork BIC
Website - https://www.corkbic.com/
Twitter - @CorkBIC
South East BIC
Website - http://www.southeastbic.ie/
Twitter - @southeastBIC
West BIC
Website - https://www.westbic.ie/
Twitter - @West_BIC
Business Angels Resources
HBAN
We are continuing to post educational content for investors on our own youtube channel and are currently in the process of developing a schedule of webinars focussed on business angel investing. More information will be announced via our website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
Check out our Youtube channel!
EBAN (European Business Angel Network)
EBAN has launched a robust series of ‘Living Room Talks’ in addition to their webinar sessions. You can register for these sessions at the links below, as well as watch past webinars and talks!
Webinars –
EBAN Living Room Talks –
http://www.eban.org/join-our-living-room-talks
European ESIL
How Coronavirus is affecting Business Angels and start-up investing
Other Helpful Links & News
COVID-19 European Investor Status List
Open source list of European Investor Status updates and contact information.
Sifted
The new-media site for Europe's innovators and entrepreneurs
Coronavirus startup supports list - https://sifted.eu/articles/coronavirus-support-startups/
RTE Business News
European Commission approves €200m scheme - https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0331/1127541-commission-approves-200m-scheme/
EU-Startups
The Gig Economy: Your Startup's Survival guide during coronavirus
https://www.eu-startups.com/2020/03/how-can-founders-best-use-the-gig-economy-right-now/