An innovative GPS-integrated soil sampling platform, a secure sequestration system for captured carbon, a sustainable way to shop for period care, and a zero-waste refill retail store are among the winners of this year’s Three Ireland Grants for Small Businesses Programme which means 10 businesses secure a share of a €100,000 bursary.
Funded by Three Ireland and managed by the small business network and support provider, Enterprise Nation, the programme offers each business a €5,000 cash prize, €5,000 worth of device and connectivity solutions, as well as mentoring and ongoing support from Three Ireland’s in-house business experts.
The top 20 shortlisted applicants also receive guidance from Three experts on various aspects of their business including sustainability, procurement, social media, marketing, and public relations.
“The Grant for Small Businesses programme has been one of the highlight initiatives for Three Ireland over the last four years and we are very proud of how it has developed during this time,” says Three Ireland head of SME Padraig Sheerin. “Each year we get a great variety of businesses across a range of activities applying for the awards. These are great entrepreneurial individuals. It takes real courage to go out on your own to start a business and we are delighted to be able to help them progress on their journeys.”
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The awards have a practical impact, he adds. “One of last year’s award winners, Beech Van Solutions, converts standard vans to camper vans. They tripled production capacity with the help of the grant. Pumpskynz which makes silicone covers for diabetes devices have been able to take on an additional staff member. And Panza Fins which makes fins for surfboards has been able to source more sustainable materials. These are just some of the good things the cash awards enable businesses to do.”
One of this year’s winners, Little Sprouts Garden Box, provides a unique opportunity for families to bond through gardening. Each specially designed box is crafted to help children develop key skills like fine motor co-ordination, responsibility, and patience — all while learning about plants, animals, and the environment.
“I grew up with gardening,” says founder Jessica Bourke. “My grandparents built a garden centre beside their home before moving to a larger premises. My mother joined the business and that’s where my love of gardening comes from. When I had my daughter Ellie I wanted to teach her about gardening too.”
She launched the business earlier this year. “It had been on my mind for a few years. I developed an Easter Bunny garden box with a few tools and organic seeds and peat-free compost. I try to make it as organic and sustainable as possible. It also contained ideas for activities and recipes to make from the produce you grow. It goes full circle.”
She is now moving to a monthly subscription model. “I entered the competition to fund that. I want to share with the community as well. I will use some of the grant money to give seed boxes to schools in the area.”
Cathal Sheridan started his Huku Balance business in 2019 as a result of being what he describes as a “landlocked surfer”. “I started making balance trainers as a hobby to help me develop my surfing skill set.”
The Huku product is essentially a board placed on a cylinder which provides the user with an unstable surface on which they must attempt to balance. “When you step on to an unstable surface your core is activated and you have to keep making little movements to keep you upright,” he explains. “Having a strong core and glutes means you have less of a chance of lower back pain. It’s not just for board sports. It helps people who are sitting at desks all day as well. We also have a kids’ product, the Hulu wobble board. We designed it as a game where you move a ball through a maze. It helps develop perception, co-ordination and balance.
“I’ve been able to hire a few people over the years and we are now exporting to the UK and Europe and a small amount to the US. The long-term plan is to take the brand global over the next 10 years. It’s difficult to do that without cash. That was one of the reasons I applied for the grant. The cash and the assistance from Three on the e-commerce side will be very helpful.”
Sheerin expresses his admiration for these businesses and all the finalists. “I just stand back in amazement when I think about these businesses. The next steps will see our experts getting in touch with the winners to look at the opportunities they are trying to avail of and the problems they are trying to solve and identify the technology solutions best suited to the different businesses. After that, our business advisers will work with them on different aspects of the business including technology, sales and marketing and so on.”