05/11/2013

€125m Fund For Ireland's SMEs

A new investment fund, worth €125m, has been unveiled.

The fund is aimed at Ireland's small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that need capital for expansion. It will be financed by a mix of both public and private sources, and will be managed by MML Growth Capital.

Enterprise Ireland has made a €25m commitment to the project, under the Government's Development Capital Scheme, with the rest of the funds coming from Allied Irish Banks, the European Investment Fund, GoldPoint Partners, and two United States subsidiaries of the Cigna Corporation.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, welcomed the news, saying: "The Development Capital Scheme is aimed at providing funding for the mid-sized, export-oriented businesses that are so crucial to our growth – particularly manufacturing and technology companies in traditional sectors including engineering, food, life sciences, services and electronics.

"Ireland has a strong tradition of successful home-grown businesses of this type, and increasing the availability of risk capital for them is critical in ensuring that they can scale sufficiently to compete in international markets, growing exports and jobs."

The fund will be aimed at already existing companies that are seeking to expand, and fund managers say they will assist with business expertise as well as capital.

(JP/IT)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 February 2024
Gaming Business Ideas To Start In Ireland
Are you passionate about gaming and considering turning your hobby into a profitable business in Ireland? You're in luck! The gaming industry is booming, and many opportunities are waiting for you. Here are ten gaming business ideas that could be your ticket to success in this exciting field. 1.
14 January 2020
Social Enterprises To Benefit From Dormant Accounts Fund
An additional €1 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund has been awarded for social enterprises under the pilot Small Capital Grants Scheme for Social Enterprises.
09 January 2015
€85m Life Sciences Venture Capital Fund
A new €85m life sciences venture capital fund has been launched following €15m investment by the Department of Jobs. Fountain Healthcare Partners is to manage the fund, which is a dedicated life sciences (specialty pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics) venture capital (VC) firm.
08 August 2016
Over 85 Youth Projects Secure Grants To Fund Small Capital Projects
A total of 94 grants have been secured for 86 youth projects in Ireland to fund small capital projects.
04 December 2014
€6m Boost For Irish Venture Capital Fund
London-based venture capital firm Hoxton Ventures has launched a €5.875m Irish early stage venture capital fund in partnership with Enterprise Ireland. Hoxton Ventures is a $40m early stage venture capital fund designed to "bridge the gap between Europe and Silicon Valley". This new €5.875m side fund will focus exclusively on Irish investments.