The latest Global Entrepreneurship Monitor GEM report has deduced that Ireland ranks third in Europe for entrepreneurs who have ‘high jobs growth’ expectations. It seems that the country also has the third-highest rate for early-stage female entrepreneurs across European countries, and that one in seven people in Ireland desires to start a business in the next three years.
Gender and age gaps for entrepreneurship are also closing, and there is an increase in youth entrepreneurship.
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, TD commented that, “I believe that anyone with a good business idea, no matter their background, should be able to start and grow a company in Ireland.”
“This report shows that entrepreneurial activity in Ireland is strong, that more and more people under the age of 24 are starting a business, that the gender gap is closing and more people are investing in start-ups. Still, there is plenty we need to work on. Government will examine this report in detail and work with entrepreneurs and business leaders to help more people both start and grow a company in Ireland,” he said.
Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy added: “Despite the challenges of recent years, the GEM Report reveals a positive picture of entrepreneurship. Just over 10% of early-stage Irish-based entrepreneurs are ‘born global’ with more than 75% of revenue coming from customers outside of Ireland. This places Ireland joint third in Europe on this measure. Enterprise Ireland will continue to support the exporting and job creation strategy of these internationally focused businesses while also working closely with other start-up businesses to encourage exporting potential and ambition across the ecosystem.”
“It is also important to recognise the commitment to both sustainability and digital adoption revealed in the GEM report. These vital issues are core to Enterprise Ireland strategy to ensure Irish businesses continue to compete and win in international markets,” Clancy said.