Over 40 Irish Companies ‘Check In’ for Enterprise Ireland’s First Flight North America

North American Market Beckons Irish Exporters

Enterprise Ireland’s ‘First Flight North America’ Programme launched in New York today (Friday 12 February 2010) with over 40 first time exporters to the North American market having signed up. The programme was unveiled by the Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr Billy Kelleher TD, and is aimed specifically at helping indigenous Irish companies explore new export opportunities in the US and Canadian markets by aiding development of tools and techniques to manage successful market entry.

Making the announcement the Minister said: “I have seen first hand the potential that exists for Irish companies in the North American market. Growing export sales secures both their continued growth and employment back home. First Flight North America is about making sure this happens and that ambitious Irish companies are given every support and opportunity to enter and succeed in new markets. This is a highly practical programme that assists companies in a systematic way with their export development needs. It comprises a mix of workshops, one-to-one mentoring by North America market experts, and support with developing and implementing company specific market entry strategies – a formula that has proved to be highly effective in other markets.”

Making the announcement on the New York leg of Enterprise Ireland’s Trade Mission to the US East Coast, Minister Kelleher was joined by Cathal Gaffney of 2010 Oscar-nominee Brown Bag Films, who recently participated on an Enterprise Ireland First Flight programme. Commenting on the programme, Gaffney confirmed the need for Irish companies to have “a focussed strategy with the necessary resources and commitment. North America is not a hit and run market and companies need a sustained approach to ensure their success.”

Welcoming the announcement, Tom Cusack, Enterprise Ireland’s Director of the Americas said: “The North American market is quite accessible for Irish companies, given the right support. The key challenges they face are knowing what to expect and having a carefully crafted plan in place that targets genuine opportunity while factoring in the various challenges of exporting. First Flight North America is about helping Irish companies get it right first time. It gives them the secure environment where they can identify areas of strength and risk and develop the right market entry strategy, as well as giving on the ground support in the market. Highly practical and focussed, this programme will demystify the US and Canadian markets for Irish exporters, save them time and expense in evaluating the market, and help them manage the risks associated with entering new markets.”

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Notes to Editors

For further information contact:

Enterprise Ireland: Eileen Banks, Press Officer, Tel: +353 (0)1 7272000.

E-mail: eileen.banks@enterprise-ireland.com

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