Taking your small business to the next level is exciting, but knowing how to start can be daunting. Here, you will find information on a range of supports to help with expansion – from entering new markets to hiring skilled staff and everything in between.
How can we help?
Expand your business
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Featured export supports
Entering new markets provides your business with new opportunities to grow and reach more customers.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help your business plan and prepare to expand into new markets.
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20 supports based on your selections
Tradeshows and Webinar Participation
Drive business growth and enhance your international reputation
Bord Bia facilitates trade shows and webinar participation by organising and managing events that allow Irish food and drink companies to showcase their products globally.
Food and drink businesses looking to expand their presence in a new market.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Market Study Visits
Get market exposure to help your strategic business planning
A Bord Bia Market Study Visit allows Irish food and drink companies to explore international markets by engaging directly with local experts and understanding consumer trends.
Food and drink businesses that want to explore new markets.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Get Exporting
Support to achieve first-time export sale
Through our Export Development Pathway, we aim to simplify the export journey and help you build the knowledge, confidence, and strategies needed to succeed in international markets.
Get Exporting is for Irish manufacturing and internationally traded services companies looking to succeed in international markets. Companies must have less than €10,000 in export sales per annum in Northern Ireland or any other international market to apply. This programme does not currently extend to food and drink businesses. A commitment is required from the CEO and/or a member of the senior leadership team.
ACUMEN
Start exporting across the Irish border
Cross-border trading is one of the easier, more accessible ways to begin exporting. This programme is designed to help businesses grow on an all-island basis by dedicating a sales resource to develop sales opportunities in the cross-border market.
Businesses that want to target new cross-border markets.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium-sized business
- You are trading in manufacturing or an eligible services industry
- You have been trading for at least 2 years
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Business Partnering Opportunities
Unlock Global Collaboration: Partner with EEN for Business Success
Assisting organizations seeking international business collaborators, such as subcontractor, licensing opportunities, an agent, or a partner for a product development initiatives. Alternatively, EEN can help search for a partner to assist with EU funding applications.
- All organizations, including higher education institutions, that are interested in international collaboration
Development of Market Research Skills Scheme
Learn how to carry out market research to enter new markets
This support can be used to help cover the internal costs of exploring new market opportunities.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Digital Marketing Capability
Improve your digital marketing for business growth
This support provides businesses with the help they need to effectively use digital marketing channels to reach new customers, grow sales and expand their market reach.
Businesses who want to improve their online presence and connect with a wider audience.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Údarás Na Gaeltachta client
- You are a potential Údarás Na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Digital Marketing Capability
Improve your digital marketing for business growth
This support provides businesses with the help they need to effectively use digital marketing channels to reach new customers, grow sales and expand their market reach.
Businesses who want to improve their online presence and connect with a wider audience.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Enterprise Ireland (EI) client
- You are a potential EI client operating a small to medium business
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
IDA Ireland International Marketing Programme
IDA support to expand into new markets.
IDA Ireland's International Marketing Programme (IMP) is a financial grant program designed to specifically support existing client companies in expanding to new international markets.
You may be eligible if:
You already have a partnership with IDA Ireland on other programs or initiatives.
HPSU Feasibility Study Grant
Are you a high potential start up (HPSU) interested in bringing your innovative product or service to an international market?
This Study Grant assists a new start-up company or individual entrepreneur to investigate the viability of a new export orientated business or proposition.
You may be eligible if you are:
- Innovative HPSUs preparing to raise investment, who is an existing Enterprise Ireland client.
Featured job creation supports
Access to the right skills and talent is crucial in the competitive business world.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help you hire new people and build a skilled team.
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15 supports based on your selections
Talent Programmes
Supporting professional growth in the Irish food and drink industry
The Bord Bia Talent Academy trains graduates in the Irish food and drink industry by offering educational programs that combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
Food and drink businesses with an export presence and/or Research and Development division.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
GradStart- Udaras
Develop a talent pool and gain access to new skills
GradStart provides financial support for businesses to compete for and hire graduate talent. The support covers the cost of taking in graduate talent on a two-year placement basis, to improve the skills base within your business.
Businesses that want to develop their talent pool and gain access to new skills.
You may be eligible if:
- You’re an Údarás na Gaeltachta client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Key Manager Support - Udaras
Attract and hire key people with the right skills
A business is nothing without good people. With this key manager grant, you can get help with the salary cost of a ‘Key Manager’ – someone whose skills are needed for the success of your business. Examples of Key Manager positions are Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Research & Development Manager, etc.
Businesses seeking to hire the best leaders or fill a talent gap.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client
- You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business
- You have been trading for at least 2 years
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
JobsPlus Subsidy
Provide an unemployed person with a job opportunity
JobsPlus is a financial incentive to encourage employers to offer job opportunities to unemployed people.
Businesses with recruitment needs but need to manage the cost of employment.
You may be eligible if:
- You are registered as a business with the Revenue Commissioners and are tax compliant
- You offer full-time employment of at least 30 hours per week, over a minimum of 4 days.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Key Manager Support
Attract and hire key people with the right skills
A business is nothing without good people. With this key manager grant, you can get help with the salary cost of a ‘Key Manager’ – someone whose skills are needed for the success of your business. Examples of Key Manager positions are Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Research & Development Manager, etc.
Businesses seeking to hire the best leaders or fill a talent gap.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Enterprise Ireland (EI) client
- You are a potential EI client operating a small to medium business
- You have been trading for at least 2 years
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Employment Grants
Financial assistance for job creation
This is a grant to cover the cost of employing staff on a full-time or part-time basis.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Employment Funding Support
Increase the number of employees in your business
Enterprise Ireland's Employment Funding Support is an employment grant that helps businesses with growth potential to create new jobs, through projects focused on increasing international trade.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland (EI) Client with 10 or more employees
- You are a potential EI client operating a small to medium business
- You have been trading for 2 years
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
HPSU Founders Forum
Founders supporting founders to scale globally
The High Potential Start-up (HPSU) Founders Forum equips new and seasoned CEOs of startups with the tools to scale successfully. By fostering peer-to-peer learning and providing expert guidance, the program helps founders tackle challenges, refine their business plans, and prepare for growth. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and access to a supportive community, participants develop a robust scaling strategy and position themselves for long-term success.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up (HPSU) client
- Local Enterprise Office or Údarás Na Gaeltachta clients, trading internationally in manufacturing or an eligible services industry
- Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
HR & OD Community of Practice
Nurturing HR & OD excellence for scalable business growth.
The HR & OD CoP is a collaborative platform bringing together HR and OD leaders to share knowledge, address challenges, and drive innovation. Through interactive roundtables and peer learning groups, we foster a dynamic community focused on exploring and overcoming HR and OD challenges, exchanging best practices, and uncovering emerging trends and solutions.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland client company.
- Targeted towards HR Managers, HR Directors, Chief People Officers, who are responsible for leading the people function within their business
- Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Wage Subsidy Scheme
Financial support for businesses that employ people with a disability
The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial incentives to private sector employers to employ people with a disability. The work offered must be for a minimum of 15 hours per week and the subsidy is available up to 39 hours per week
Businesses with recruitment needs.
You may be eligible if:
- You are registered as a business with the Revenue Commissioners and are tax compliant
- You can offer a minimum 6-month contract to the employee.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Featured expansion supports
Grow your business by hiring more people, adding additional equipment or investing in new facilities.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help your business expand.
Select filters
Select filters
Select type of Support
Select Business Size
Select Government Agency
Select Industry
36 supports based on your selections
SuperBrands
Grow your brand using an integrated design approach
SuperBrands helps food and drink businesses understand how consumers see their brand and their competitors, and find a proposition for their brand with consumers in Ireland and the UK.
Small to medium food and drink businesses that want to redesign their existing brand or develop a new brand.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
- You have an annual turnover of less than €5 million
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Seafood Processing Funding
Funding for the Irish Seafood Processing Industry
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is the primary funding programme for the seafood sector. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU
You may be eligible if:
You are an applicant who is both an onshore processing SME and have an SFPA approval number with activity code FFPP (Fresh Fishing Products Plant) or PP (Processing Plant)
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Omnibus - Nationally Representative Online Survey
Use market insights and customer preferences to make informed decisions
Access an online panel that reflects the national population, provided in partnership with Bord Bia and an independent research agency, both in Ireland and internationally. (Costs depend on the number of questions, ranging from basic checks to pricing and usage.)
Food or drink businesses that want fast answers on their product category or related issues.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Irish Seafood Industry Insights
Insights into the Irish Seafood Industry
BIM provides insights on a range of topics and sectors in the seafood industry including fishing and aquaculture.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a business interested in the seafood sector
Performance and Prospects Hub
Understand the trajectory of the Irish food, drink, and horticulture industry
This webpage allows anyone to view and access data on Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports, showing the amounts and values sent to different destinations.
Food or drink businesses with an interest in the industry's performance and future outlook.
You may be eligible if:
- No eligibility necessary
Priming Grant
Get funding to start your business
The early stages are the hardest for small businesses. This support reduces the financial burden of starting a business to increase your chances of growth and success.
For businesses that need assistance with the initial costs of starting a business.
You might be eligible if:
- You employ up to 10 people
- You have been operating for up to 18 months
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Priming Grant (Céad Céim)-Udaras
Get funding to start your business
The early stages are the hardest for small businesses. This support reduces the financial burden of starting a business to increase your chances of growth and success
For businesses that need assistance with the initial costs of starting a business.
You may be eligible if:
- You employ up to 10 people
- You have been operating for up to 18 months
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
Collaborative Farming Grant
Support to address generational imbalances in farming
Scheme specifically aimed at encouraging best practice in intergenerational land transfer in order to address, among other things, significant generational imbalances in farming.
You may be eligible if:
You are a farmer aged 60 or above that have a minimum of 3 hectare’s and 2 years’ experience farming
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Aquaculture Funding
Funding for Irish Aquaculture Industry
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is the primary funding programme for the seafood sector. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a new entrant to the Irish seafood sector or currently employed within the sector who wish to upskill
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Bespoke Brand Development
Make your brand stand out in a competitive market
This support provides food and drink businesses with brand development, strategic thinking and project management guidance.
Food and drink businesses that want to strengthen their brand identity, improve market positioning, and increase their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
You may be eligible if:
You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.