Over 350 small Irish food business look set to benefit from a new training programme, the Food Academy Start, which was launched this morning.
The programme, which aims to aid start-up food businesses throughout Ireland, is being led by Bord Bia along with Super Valu and the County Enterprise Boards.
Most of the assistance to start up and early-stage food business provided by the new academy will come in the form of food marketing knowledge.
The programme will be available to new businesses through workshop-style training sessions.
The intensive workshops hopes to provide companies with long-term business supports including consumer insight, technical advice, resource planning, commercial advice and marketing development.
Speaking at the launch today the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney said that the academy "is an opportunity for ambitious food entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses".
A suite of follow up supports will be developed by Bord Bia under the Food Academy banner to ensure the continued development of companies that take part in the new scheme.
For more information or to register your interest in Food Academy Start, visit www.enterpriseboards.ie or contact your local County Enterprise Board.
