Natural Future of Cosmetics (NACO) Project

Tender description

The aim of the Irish-Finnish collaboration project, Natural Future of Cosmetics (NACO), is to identify and address the industrial needs of rurally based cosmetic companies in both Ireland and Finland. Despite a high consumer demand in Europe for natural cosmetics, limited support structures can restrict rural SME’s competitiveness in this sector. In particular, the project will focus on supporting rural cosmetic SMEs whose products utilise natural extracts, sourced regionally or nationally, in each of the participating nations. Upskilling of, and knowledge transfer between, the participating partners and their respective SMEs will be a key aspect of the programme. The project will run as a collaboration with Finland and the successful applicant will help design a programme of targeted training, networking and innovation support activities. This will involve upskilling between the Irish and Finnish partners and the dissemination of existing and newly acquired knowledge/capabilities to their respective SME clients. The programme will be implemented over 2 years with the aim to increase the capabilities and connectivity of the companies in question, supporting their development and growth as well as stimulating innovation and enterprise in Irish and Finnish rural areas.