First Time Exporters Programme

Are you in business and seeking to develop overseas markets? Dublin City Enterprise Board has teamed up with Fás to provide a structured programme for potential exporters or anyone considering trading internationally for the first time.

The programme is of eight week’s duration and is only available to businesses who meet the qualifying criteria (outlined below). Participants can also apply for grant assistance to help fund the cost of early stage international trading and research activities. How do I Qualify to Participate on the First-Time Exporter Initiative? Qualifying applicants are privately-owned businesses which meet with all of the following criteria: 1.Micro-enterprises (i.e. businesses with up to 10 employees); 2.Dublin city-based indigenous businesses with a trading track record; 3.Manufacturing and traded services sector with demonstrable potential to develop into internationally trading businesses; 4.Businesses that are in growth mode and have a need to formulate a strategy to develop international trade. Grant Assistance for First-Time Exporters Participants who successfully complete the programme can avail of a Financial contribution from the Dublin City Enterprise Board towards the costs of early stage research and activities in foreign markets. Summary of the scheme as follows: - Only businesses that successfully complete the First-Time Exporter Initiative can avail of the grant assistance; - Grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €5,000 (excl VAT); - Only Third Party costs qualify i.e. cost of work you have commissioned others to do; - Eligible costs include invoiced and receipted travel and subsistence costs, trade fair participation, the creation of marketing materials specifically for overseas markets etc.; - Expenditure incurred prior to grant approval is ineligible; - All applications are subject to evaluation and the Board retains the right to refuse any application. First Time Exporter Initiative – Course content The programme runs over eight weeks, one day per week. See attached programme schedule. When does the programme commence? Applications for the programme and the Grant Assistance must be received by 4 pm on 30th March 2007. Funding is limited and a selection process may apply. The Board’s decision in the selection of participants will be final. Places are limited to 12 maximum. The programme is scheduled to commence 26th April 2007 (1 day per week for 8 consecutive weeks), concluding on 14th June 2007. Venue: To be decided, north Dublin location, probably close to M50 / Airport. Certification: The programme is certified by the Institute of International Trade in Ireland (I.I.T.I.). This is the accrediting body of the Irish Exporters Association. How much does it cost? The nominal fee for the programme is €500 (programme is heavily subsidised by Fas). Credit/Debit cards accepted. Cheques to be made payable to: Dublin City Enterprise Board. How do I apply? Request an Application Form and send it complete with fee to: Dublin City Enterprise Board 5th Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 635 1144 Fax: 01 635 1811 Email: info@dceb.ie

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