Design 4 Growth Pilot Scheme Launched By Dublin City Council

A new pilot scheme has been launched to encourage small enterprises to use strategic design to improve their businesses.

The Design 4 Growth scheme is part of Irish Design 2015, a year-long initiative backed by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, aimed at promoting and celebrating Irish design in Ireland and internationally.

Launched by Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash and an tArdmhéara, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, the scheme will be delivered by Dublin City Local Enterprise Office (LEO) on behalf of the four LEO offices and PIVOT Dublin.

Through Design 4 Growth, 50 businesses will have the opportunity to attend an introductory workshop aimed at providing an understanding of design strategy in business development. Following the workshop, fifteen of these companies will then be selected to work with a design advisor on a part funded basis to develop a design strategy, specifically tailored to improving their business. Five businesses will then be chosen to implement the design strategy.

"Experience has shown that integrating design as part of a company’s strategy can assist in creating greater demand for products and services," Ardmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh said.

"Design 4 Growth will give businesses the opportunity to have access to experienced design strategists and will assist them with their marketing strategy, which will be an invaluable asset to their future growth."

Minister Nash added: "Encouraging Irish businesses to invest in design as a key component of innovation and competitiveness is central to the objectives of the Irish Design 2015 programme. The Design 4 Growth pilot scheme will assist participating companies in identifying practical ways in which good design can enhance their product or service, maximising opportunities for success in today’s competitive market place and ultimately creating additional jobs here in Ireland.

"As an outcome of this pilot scheme, we look forward to increasing the number of micro and small Irish companies who use design as a strategic element in their business development."

(MH/CD)