Today, Design &amp; Crafts Council Ireland officially launched The Accelerator Programme in partnership with Portal, Trinity College Dublin at Showcase 2024. This exciting new programme will support design and craft SMEs with international export potential offering valuable startup support.
This new Accelerator Programme in partnership with DCCI is designed to aid craft and design SMEs with international export potential. The programme will be delivered in two stages between March and December 2024, with 20 companies shortlisted for a place on the course. 
 
The craft and design sector significantly contributes to the growth and global recognition of both the Irish domestic economy and the Irish export economy. A 2022 report from Grant Thornton found that Irish craft and design companies saw a total turnover of &euro;10.3bn, up 115% since the post-crash low of 2012, while the sector contributed &euro;4.5bn to the Irish economy in gross value added in 2022, up from under &euro;3.4bn in 2021.&nbsp; 
 
The craft and design sector is the 10th largest employment sector in Ireland with almost 60,000 people directly employed - a 10% growth year-on-year. In December 2023, a Central Statistics Office (CSO) publication showed that in 2022, more than *11,300 SMEs exported upwards of &euro;38 billion worth of goods internationally, with micro enterprises exporting over &euro;10 billion of goods.&nbsp; 
 
The Accelerator Programme will provide support to SMEs with strong international export potential across areas including growth, development, international market launches, customer engagement, acquisition, and marketing and sales. 
 
Speaking at the launch, Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: &quot;We recognise the exceptional talent and innovation that thrive within our craft and design SMEs. Today marks a significant leap forward, with the launch of The Accelerator programme that will amplify their international export potential. This initiative is not just about financial investment, it&rsquo;s about providing a robust support system, which encompasses mentorship and networking opportunities to turn local creativity into global success. By providing the right tools to these craftspeople and entrepreneurs, we are not only strengthening our economy, but advocating for Irish craftsmanship on the world stage.&rdquo; 
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Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design &amp; Crafts Council Ireland said, &ldquo;We are delighted to be partnering with Portal at Trinity on such a timely and relevant programme. The accelerator programme, designed and delivered with the expertise of Trinity, caters to the design and craft sector &ndash; the 10th largest employment sector in Ireland &ndash; we are very excited about its potential.&quot; 
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&quot;The programme will help support, nurture and mentor DCCI clients on the journey to become international exporters. We take great pride in championing innovative craft and design businesses in Ireland. The Accelerator Programme provides us with a fantastic opportunity to reach craft and design businesses in their start-up phase,&quot; she continued. &quot;It will also encourage entrepreneurship from the outset as it builds opportunities, skills and advice to help them grow, launch and showcase their products on an international stage. 
&nbsp;This programme builds on the successful education training programmes delivered by Trinity at DCCI headquarters in Kilkenny in 2022/2023.&rdquo; 
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Dr Michelle Olmstead, Trinity College Dublin, CIEO said: &ldquo;Trinity is at the forefront of promoting Entrepreneurship as an engine for economic growth and for social and cultural development. We are delighted to partner with DCCI and their clients to accelerate growth and development internationally.&rdquo; 
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