Three Ireland today launches the 2023 Grants for Small Businesses programme, calling on small businesses* in Ireland to take part and be in with a chance to win a portion of a €100,000 bursary.
The programme, which is now in its third year, has provided Irish SMEs with an investment of over €500,000 by Three since 2021 across products and services, advertising and PR support, as well as access to industry expertise.
Funded by Three Ireland and managed by the small business network and support provider, Enterprise Nation, the programme seeks to award 10 small businesses a portion of a €100,000 bursary. This bursary will comprise of €5000 cash, €5000 for device and connectivity solutions for each winner, as well as mentoring from Three Ireland’s in-house experts.
New to this year’s programme, the award will also include expertise sessions for the top 20 shortlisted applicants where Three will provide guidance across business-critical areas including sustainability, procurement, technology, social media, marketing, product development and public relations.
Padraig Sheerin, judge for Three Ireland’s Grants for Small Businesses programme and Head of SME, Three Ireland, said, “At Three, we’ve seen first-hand what impact the grant programme can have for SMEs and the feedback we’ve received from previous winners has been extremely encouraging. Each winning business has made incredible strides and I’m proud that Three Ireland has been there to support them in their business development and advance them onto the next stage of their journey.”
Previous winners of the programme include farm safety specialists AgriGuardian from Limerick, sports tech firm Headhawk from Tipperary and Hurley makers AM Hurley & Sports from Monaghan.
Sonya Lennon, judge for Three Ireland’s Grants for Small Businesses programme and Entrepreneur and Advocate for Workplace Equality, said, “I am delighted to return as a judge for Three’s Grants for Small Business programme and to see this year’s innovative and inspiring ideas from Ireland’s entrepreneurs. As a judge last year, I know the positive impact this programme can have on small businesses around Ireland and how the support provided can help propel a small business forward.
The support, in terms of finances, connectivity solutions as well as industry expertise, can transform a business built on hard work and dedication. I look forward to judging this year’s submissions mainly because I was that soldier and know the difference this can make. The very best of luck to all the applicants, I'll be waiting for you.”
Nicola Woods, Head of Ireland, Enterprise Nation said, “We are delighted to partner with Three Ireland again for Three’s Grants for Small Businesses. Over the last two years we’ve seen how this grant programme has significantly impacted 20 businesses right across Ireland.
“Our Small Business Barometer shows that access to finance and investment is one of the most complex areas for small businesses to navigate and so this brilliant initiative is literally right time, right place.”
For more information and details on the application process, visit: 3.ie/grants
*Applications will be open from September 4th until October 2nd to all businesses that are based in the Republic of Ireland, have a workforce of 1-9 employees and have been trading for a minimum of 6 months. Applications will be scored and the 20 applicants who secure the highest score will be shortlisted for the judging panel.
