What is the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF)?
WestBIC is an Enterprise Ireland partner providing hands-on startup support, funding readiness and investment preparation for early-stage founders in the west of Ireland.
The Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) is an early-stage investment programme from Enterprise Ireland designed to help start-ups bridge the gap between idea validation and full investor-ready status. It supports innovative companies with up to €100,000 of funding to help develop products or services, achieve key technical and commercial milestones, and prepare for future fundraising rounds.
This fund is open year-round, allowing startups to apply at any time. However, timing is crucial, and businesses are limited to three applications within a 12-month period.
Who is it for?
The PSSF is ideal for early-stage companies that:
- Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or are live in beta with early user/customer validation
- Can demonstrate a validated customer proposition backed by market research
- Have a clear execution plan outlining key milestones
- Show evidence of innovation, international potential and the ability to create employment
- Have a balanced team with the skills to execute the plan.
The fund is open to early-stage Manufacturing and Internationally Traded Services companies. Former recipients of the Competitive Start Fund (CSF) may also apply but are eligible for a maximum of €50,000 if they meet suitability criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, a company must:
- Operate as a manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services business.
- Be pre-trading or recently trading with annual revenues under €150,000.
- Be less than four years old at the time of application.
- Demonstrate potential to create 10 Irish jobs and €1 million in sales within three years.
- Have received no more than €150,000 in equity funding before applying.
- Be registered and based in Ireland, with the management team located there.
Additionally, the business must comply with EU state aid criteria as an innovative startup or under de minimis funding rules. Visa status must also be regularised before receiving investment, if applicable.
What support comes with the funding?
🔹 €50k or €100k via a Convertible Loan Note (in one or two tranches).
🔹 Support from an Enterprise Ireland Development Advisor.
🔹 10 mentoring sessions with with Enterprise Ireland’s mentor panel.
🔹 Access to Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre.
The Role of WestBIC
As part of Ireland’s Irish BIC network — alongside AxisBIC, Propelor BIC and Furthr — WestBIC plays a crucial role in supporting founders through the PSSF journey. Our team offers tailored guidance from idea stage to investor readiness, helping early-stage businesses navigate the application process, refine their pitch, and prepare compelling milestone plans.
Our involvement extends beyond the workshop — with 1:1 support and mentoring to help founders confidently present their proposition to Enterprise Ireland. And the data shows the impact: 68 % of companies awarded PSSF funding nationally worked with the Irish BICs .
WestBIC PSSF Application Workshop
Thinking about applying for the PSSF? Join WestBIC and Enterprise Ireland for our online PSSF Workshop, designed to give you actionable insight and confidence to complete a compelling PSSF application.
What you’ll learn:
✔ Your eligibility and how the fund works
✔ How to structure your application and milestones
✔ What Enterprise Ireland looks for in successful submissions
✔ Tips on refining your narrative and investor readiness
Whether you’re still validating your idea or preparing to submit an application, this workshop is a handy accelerator towards becoming investment ready.
📅 Who should attend?
Early-stage founders and start-ups aiming to apply for PSSF / early-stage funding — especially those ready to take their business to the next milestone and think globally.