North American Market Beckons Irish Exporters

Enterprise Ireland's 'First Flight North America' Program launched in New York last Friday with over 40 first time exporters to the North American market having signed up.

The program, which provides support to companies targeting new export markets, was unveiled by the Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher T.D., during his visit to the city, 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.

Originally developed by Enterprise Ireland for companies entering the UK market for the first time, it has since expanded to include Asia, China, and now North America.

Companies are assisted in evaluating their own potential and readiness for market through systematically addressing the opportunities and risks associated with breaking into new overseas markets.

Over 40 companies have signed up for First Flight North America, which will take place in Enterprise Ireland's offices at East Point, Dublin.

It will be delivered in two modules - one for Life Sciences and Clean Tech companies, and the second for Software and Services companies.

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 program 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 program.

Commenting on the program, 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."

"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 program 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."