Huku Balance and Portnoo Market Garden will receive a portion of €100,000 prize fund

Winning businesses will also receive leading industry expertise and mentorship supporting greater business success

Donegal, 21st November 2024: Three Ireland is delighted to announce that two Donegal businesses, Huku Balance from Creeslough and Portnoo Market Garden from Summy have been successful in this year’s programme and chosen as two of the 10 winners of the 2024 Grants for Small Businesses Programme which sees the businesses secure a portion of the €100,000 bursary.

The award for the Three Grant for Small Businesses Programme, funded by Three Ireland and managed by the small business network and support provider, Enterprise Nation, comprises of a €5,000 cash prize, €5,000 worth of device and connectivity solutions, as well as mentoring and ongoing support from Three Ireland’s in-house business experts.

Huku Balance, crafts premium balance products, each made with the care and quality of custom furniture, built to last a lifetime and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Huku Balance boards are designed to enhance balance, coordination, and core strength—all while adding an element of fun.

Portnoo Market Garden provides fresh, chemical-free produce, grown sustainably in the scenic Donegal hills. Founder Barrie Quinn follows a "no-dig, no-chemicals" approach, cultivating naturally grown crops that support a low-carbon, sustainable food movement. Their large selection includes tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, eggs, and broccoli, all harvested locally to reduce environmental impact.

As part of an initiative that was introduced within the programme last year, the top 20 shortlisted applicants will also receive expertise sessions from Three who will provide guidance across business-critical areas including sustainability, procurement, social media, marketing, and public relations. 

Huku Balance and Portnoo Market Garden were two of 10 winners of this year’s Three Grant for Small Businesses award, alongside other recipients of the award including Refillz Zero Waste Ltd, Monthlies Organics and Tao Climate, which showcase innovative business ideas from a wide range of industries and sectors across healthcare, sustainability, the arts and education.

The programme, which is now in its fourth year, has provided Irish SMEs with an investment of over €650,000 by Three since 2021 across products and services, advertising and PR support, as well as access to industry expertise.

Padraig Sheerin, Head of SME, Three Ireland said: “The Grant for Small Businesses programme has been one of the highlight initiatives for Three Ireland over the last four years and we are very proud of how it has developed during this time. For the fourth year running, Three has partnered with Enterprise Nation on this, which will help provide vital supports to these businesses who continue to make huge strides on their journeys. Applicants to this year’s programme showcased excellent credentials and aspirations– all while reaffirming the strong entrepreneurial talent we have in this country. While the calibre of the competition this year has been exceptional, we are delighted to award Huku Balance and Portnoo Market Garden this prize and we look forward to seeing their teams achieve continued success in the future.”

Sonya Lennon, judge for Three Ireland’s Grant for Small Businesses and Entrepreneur and Advocate for Workplace Equality, said: “This programme has been a constant privilege for me over the last few years, and a true pleasure to watch it grow from strength to strength each year. As a judge I’m fortunate to see firsthand the innovative businesses that are soon to be propelled to success – those with a creative vision and a passion for change. The supports offered through this programme cannot be understated, as they have the potential to transform a business on its journey of success. A testament to Three Ireland, alongside the strong entrepreneurial spirit that is central to the Irish culture, that the volume of applications continues to increase, showcasing the demand and appetite for business in Ireland. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Huku Balance and Portnoo Market Garden on their brilliant win and wish them every success for the future.”

For more information about the programme, please visit: 3.ie/grants