Less will receive a portion of €100,000 prize fund

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

Galway, 21st November 2024: Three Ireland is delighted to announce that Less from Kiloughter, Co. Galway has been successful in this year’s programme and chosen as one of the 10 winners of the 2024 Grants for Small Businesses Programme which sees the business 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.

Less is a design-centred brand, creating minimal yet striking watches are aimed at delivering stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly products. Based along Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, Less repurposes discarded wetsuits to craft their watch straps, helping to keep waste out of landfills and offering a lasting piece of the surf to carry with you wherever you go.

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. 

Less was one of 10 winners of this year’s Three Grant for Small Businesses award alongside other recipients of the award including Livefarm, shareclub and WiseWater Academy which showcase innovative business ideas from a wide range of industries and sectors including 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 Less this prize and we look forward to seeing Ruairi and the team 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 Less on their brilliant win and wish them every success for the future.”

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