Life-saving medical equipment, sustainable tourism, a novel cycling solution, goats cheeses and baby sign language classes are just some of the business areas covered by this year’s Three Grants for Small Businesses programme.
“We are now in the third year of the programme,” says Padraig Sheerin, head of SME with Three Ireland. “Over that time Three has provided Irish SMEs with an investment of over €500,000 in cash grants, products and services, advertising and PR support, as well as access to industry expertise. The programme has gone from strength to strength, and we experienced a 79 per cent increase in applications this year over last year.”
Funded by Three Ireland and managed by small business support provider Enterprise Nation, the programme is open to all small businesses in Ireland with fewer than 10 employees and that have been in business for longer than six months.
Each year, 20 firms are shortlisted to go in front of a judging panel which selects the 10 winners; they share a total prize fund worth €100,000, made up of €50,000 in direct cash grants and the same amount again in device and connectivity solutions, as well as mentoring from Three Ireland’s in-house experts.
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There is an added dimension to this year’s programme. “This year we are offering a mentoring opportunity to all 20 finalists,” says Sheerin. “Our in-house experts will provide guidance to the companies in a range of important business areas including sustainability, procurement, technology, social media, marketing, product development and public relations.”
Competition for the awards was intense once again this year. “Every single applicant to this year’s programme has a fantastic story to tell,” says Sheerin. “It was an absolute privilege to hear them tell those stories. Unfortunately, there can only be 20 finalists and 10 winners. This year’s winners come from all four provinces and are providing highly innovative solutions in a wide range of areas.”
Eco Powered Cabinets manufactures multifunctional storage cabinets that can literally save lives. The unique solar or wind-powered heated or cooled secure cabinets can be used to store anything from defibrillators, medication and bandages to pedestrian counters and hot or cold drinks, without the need for mains power.
Diffusion Lab is a Dublin-based artist development, management, music publishing and production company and is responsible for managing acts such as Soulé, Day_S and Jafaris. The company operates from a dedicated creative space in Rialto, Dublin where artists have access to recording studios, co-writing and co-working areas, podcast rooms and other facilities.
Atlantic Scuba Adventures opened Ireland’s first solar-powered dive centre in Carraroe, Co Galway in May 2022. Today, the company offers more than 30 different scuba diving qualifications, and its internationally recognised dive training is accredited by Scuba Schools International.
Founded by Catherine Devine, Pumpskynz provides practical and fun accessories for insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems. These joyful, unique and colourful products are created for those living with type 1 diabetes by someone living with type 1 diabetes. Pumpskynz encourages people with diabetes to show off their insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors with pride. Devine’s mission with Pumpskynz is to make managing diabetes more enjoyable, one accessory at a time.
Jill Lyons founded Companion Tandems to allow everyone to experience the joys of cycling regardless of their abilities. The company sells a range of preloved tandems, trikes, electric bikes and alternative bikes to customers throughout Ireland.
For a holiday steeped in history, Beagh Castle offers visitors five restored 300-year-old cottages situated beside the village of Ballysteen, Co Limerick. Each cottage looks on to the 800-year-old Beagh Castle, which was built on the site of an ancient Viking settlement.
Located in Ennis, Co Clare, Beech Van Conversions offers bespoke camper van conversions using sustainable products alongside clever design and new technologies surrounded by fine woodwork.
Based on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, Aran Islands Goats’ Cheese makes a range of cheeses from its own herd of Nubian and Saanen goats, which graze on the unique pastures of the Aran Islands, which in turn gives the cheese its special flavour.
Founded in 2020 in Co Wexford, Panza produces fins for surfboards. Originally made of plywood, the fins are now made from solid fibreglass to offer excellent durability and performance characteristics.
Clever Little Handies is a baby sign language class using Irish Sign Language signs that pertain to day-to-day life with a baby, taught through nursery rhymes, songs and poems. The classes are for parents with babies from newborn upwards.
“I would like to pay tribute to our judging panel and our partner Enterprise Nation,” Sheerin concludes. “We have had the same judges since the beginning. It is a real pleasure to work with them and share the joy of meeting the companies and hearing their inspiring stories.”