Enterprise Ireland is hoping to boost the number of innovative, export-oriented businesses being set up and led by female entrepreneurs through its new €250,000 competitive feasibility fund.

The fund, which is targeted at businesses led by female entrepreneurs, will be open for applications until Tuesday September 10th, and is open to start-ups in manufacturing and internationally traded services including internet, games, apps, cloud computing, enterprise software, life sciences, food, consumer products, medical devices and e-health.

The announcement follows on from two successful female entrepreneurship funds launched by Enterprise Ireland in 2012. These funds attracted over 200 applications resulting in an additional 30 female-led businesses receiving funding to investigate the viability of new growth-orientated businesses which can succeed in global markets.

This latest fund will be followed in October by a new Competitive Start Fund for female entrepreneurs, continuing the commitment to deliver on the key measure under the Action Plan for Jobs aimed at supporting growth in female entrepreneurship.

Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland executive director, global business development, said that the fund will help female entrepreneurs to expand their business horizons and set up innovative international companies that can win business abroad and create jobs at home.

Full details of the fund and the application form are available on the Enterprise Ireland website: enterprise-ireland.com/ambitiouswomen