2016 growth areas
EI, which supports and invests in Irish business across a range of sectors, approved 128 Competitive Start Fund investments and 101 new High Potential Start-Ups investments in 2016. By the end of 2016, 201,108 people were employed by companies who were supported by EI.
EI has backed companies across a range of sectors and in 2016 there was a significant increase in employment linked to EI companies in the digital technology, fintech and construction sectors. In addition,65% of the new jobs created by EI supported businesses were located outside Dublin.
Positively, of the start-ups supported by EI in 2016, 63 were led by women.
EI and Brexit
EI has also been active in supporting their companies in dealing with the Brexit threat. For example, following the Brexit result, EI published a five pillar strategy for supporting their affected clients and a UK Export Help website providing guidance for companies. Businesses are being advised by EI to start their preparations for a hard Brexit.
