€300,000 for 6 Cork producers
Do you have an artisan start-up or company that produces great food and are looking for additional funding?
Well, food companies in South and West Cork are being encouraged to avail up to €200,000 in funding. The LEADER initiative provides up to €200,000 in funding for artisan food companies and food start-ups.
Managed by SECAD and supported by Cork County Council, the programme has invested €300,000 this year in six Cork companies, and South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) is encouraging food producers to avail of this funding opportunity.
Hassetts Bakery, Frank Hederman Smoke House, Leahy’s Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory, Kinsale Bay Food, Clonakilty Chocolate and Skibbereen Food Company have received significant support through the LEADER programme, with grants for production equipment, branding and marketing resulting in potential job creation of up to 26 new roles.
Local development company SECAD offers supports to business and the community through a variety of funds including the LEADER food initiative.
SECAD’s Suzanne Kearney said: “This funding offers food producers a real opportunity to benefit from investment in market development, competitiveness and innovation. We are inviting food companies to get in touch with us so that we can support them in the funding application. While the funding is open until end of 2020, we are advising food producers to contact us as soon as possible to avail of this excellent opportunity.”
County Mayor Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan reiterated how LEADER is an example of the council’s continuing dedication to both the local economy and communities.
“Through our three local development committees we are committed to improving the range and quality of locally based products and facilities which will assist in both job creation and community development. Over the years, funding through LEADER has improved the prosperity of both people and places throughout the county and I’m looking forward to the continuation of same.”
The LEADER food funding is suited to food producers with distinctive local foodstuffs. Improved marketing, product quality and business skills through training are also supported through the programme.
All applicants must be registered as a food producer with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The minimum amount granted is €5,000 and the maximum is €200,000.
Interested parties in South and West Cork should apply now to www.SECAD.ie.