Horizon 2020 funding of up to €2.5million available to innovative SMEs and Social Enterprises

Speaking from Brussels today Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada urged SMEs and social entrepreneurs to give serious consideration to the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument, which is currently seeking application for support and investment from highly innovative enterprises.

Liadh Ní Riada said:

“The Horizon 2020 SME Instrument is on the lookout for Europe’s next innovation leader and is seeking applications from enterprises that have the right mix of ambition, passion and potential for growth and a global impact. Successful applicants can benefit from up to €2.5 million of funding and investment as well as business coaching and mentoring.

“Small, Medium, Micro and Social Enterprises are eligible to apply, and a number of themes have been identified including ICT innovation, sustainable food production and processing, low carbon energy systems, green and integrated transport, eco innovation and sustainable raw material supply and blue growth.

“I am pleased to see that environmental innovation is high on the agenda, having worked last month on a report to strengthen the opportunities for SMEs and cooperatives to capitalise on EU initiatives for green growth.

“I also contributed to a piece of legislation on the potential of blue growth, that is economic growth driven by our marine and fisheries sector. I called on the Commission to encourage business creation in the blue economy by offering incentives for sustainable start-ups, and to ensure that Ireland is primed to capitalise on any expansion in the sector.

“SMEs are a vital part of our economy and contribute jobs and economic activity, often in rural areas and in small towns. The sector accounts for a half of total employment in the economy. A strong, confident, innovative and ambitious SME sector will help deliver a real recovery that can be felt throughout Ireland.

For more information on how you can apply to the SME Instrument visit the webpage of the European Union’s Executive Agency for SMEs.