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.
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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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22 supports based on your selections
Explore your cross-border export potential
Trade Export Pathway
Exporting businesses are more innovative, productive and resilient compared to their non-exporting peers and trading cross-border is one of the easiest ways to grow your business. It's on your doorstep, easy to access and we can help you take the first steps on your export journey.
Whether your business is getting ready to export or growing exports, let us help you on your journey with the Trade Export Pathway. We offer free, specialist support to grow your cross-border exports. It’s a quick and simple application process and your business will benefit from bespoke support tailored to your specific needs.
To be eligible for support under the Trade Export Pathway, businesses must:
- Have less than 250 employees
- Have the last full financial year turnover of more than £50,000 and less than £40m (or euro equivalent).
- Be a business based in Ireland or Northern Ireland
- Have a minimum of 12 months trading history
Sole Traders and partnerships that satisfy the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.
Support to achieve first-time export sale
Get Exporting
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.
IDA support to expand into new markets
IDA Ireland International Marketing Programme
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.
Cover costs of first time participation in a trade fair
Trade Fair Participation Scheme
This scheme covers key expenses like travel and stand rental, helping you to grow your business in new markets.
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.
Supports existing and new SMEs with All Island Trade issues
IntertradeIreland Trade Hub
The Trade Hub has developed a comprehensive knowledge base which provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services. It focuses on the key areas of Customs, VAT, Regulation, and Employment.
It provides SMEs with tailored, fully funded, one-to-one consultancy support.
Eligibility Criteria
For those that require level 1 Telephone Consultation
- Any SME based on the island of Ireland
For those who require level 2 – Three Days fully funded 1 to 1 consultancy
- Located on the island of Ireland (North or South)
- Potential to trade across the border (Northern Ireland / Ireland)
- Employ fewer than 250 employees
- Have an annual turnover of less than €50m (or sterling equivalent)
- Have a satisfactory trading history
Get market exposure to help your strategic business planning
Market Study Visits
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.
Drive business growth and enhance your international reputation
Tradeshows and Webinar Participation
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.
Support to achieve first-time export sale
Get Exporting
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.
Learn how to carry out market research to enter new markets
Development of Market Research Skills Scheme
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.
Gain market research skills to drive business growth and informed decisions
Masterclass in Market Intelligence
The course provides participants with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to conduct market research, identify potential opportunities and threats, and make informed decisions about product development, pricing, and marketing.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a senior leader at director level in a business
- Businesses that want to gain insights on competitors and markets.
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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16 supports based on your selections
Support social enterprises to address collective community needs
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme(SICAP)
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme provides direct financial support that can make a significant difference to people by giving them the financial assistance they need to put their business ideas into practice. SICAP supports the establishment and expansion of social enterprises to address collective community needs, including employing those who are most marginalised. In turn, this can foster the establishment of local services where other enterprises may not be in a position to do so. From 2024, once-off enterprise start-up grants may assist an individual to set up a business.
SICAP supports a range of disadvantaged and marginalised groups in society who are unable or unlikely to access mainstream supports.
You might be eligible if:
- You are an individual who is starting a business
- You are a business operating using a social enterprise model whereby your enterprise generates non-public funding by charging for goods and services delivered
- To be eligible for support, social enterprises (SEs) supported under SICAP must provide services to one or more of the 12 named target groups, including the provision of employment or training opportunities, and/or focus on addressing one or more of the programme’s eight thematic focus areas.
The 12 SICAP target groups include:
- People living in disadvantaged communities
- People impacted by educational disadvantage
- People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious
- People who are long-term unemployed
- People with a criminal history
- Refugees
- International Protection applicants
- Disabled people/people with disabilities
- Heads of one-parent families
- Travellers
- Roma
- Island residents
Local SEs should contact their nearest Programme Implementing (PI) organisation (available on the Pobal website) for further details and support.
Offer voluntary work experience placements to jobseekers
Work Placement Experience Programme
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a voluntary work experience programme for jobseekers who are currently getting a qualifying social welfare payment and have been unemployed for six months or more.
Businesses offering voluntary work experience placements.
You may be eligible if:
- You are registered as a business with the Revenue Commissioners and are tax compliant
- You have a minimum of one full-time employee who is employed for at least 30 hours per week.
- You can offer a structured and supervised work placement experience.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Financial supports to help make workplaces more accessible
Work and Access
Work and Access is a set of supports for employers and employees that aim to remove or reduce barriers in the workplace for people with a disability.
Businesses that are making their workplaces more accessible for people with disabilities.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a private-sector, community, not-for-profit, or voluntary business in Ireland
- You have offered employment to a person with a disability and they will require workplace adaptations to undertake duties
- You have an employee who developed an illness, condition or impairment (occupational or otherwise) that affects their ability to carry out their job
- You have a workforce that requires training in the area of Disability, Equality and Inclusion
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
Financial support for businesses that employ people with a disability
Wage Subsidy Scheme
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, with the subsidy available for 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 six-month contract
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Single point of contact for all employment and income supports
INTREO Recruitment Services
Intreo is the Irish Public Employment Service offering practical, tailored employment services and supports for employers.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a business that needs advice on recruitment and employment services and programmes.
Increase the number of employees in your business
Employment Funding Support
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 two years
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Nurturing HR & OD excellence for scalable business growth
HR & OD Community of Practice
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.
Develop a talent pool and gain access to new skills
GradStart
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 are an Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office or Údarás na Gaeltachta client
- Companies who employ a minimum of 5 full time staff
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Supporting professional growth in the Irish food and drink industry
Talent Programmes
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
Develop a talent pool and gain access to new skills
GradStart- Udaras
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.
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.
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Select filters
Select type of Support
Select Business Size
Select Government Agency
Select Industry
37 supports based on your selections
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
Help your early-stage business to grow
Business Expansion Grant
Your business may no longer be a start-up, but you still need some support. This grant can help with a broad range of expenses, training and salary costs.
Businesses that need assistance in the growth phase, after the initial 18-month start-up period.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- You have been operating for at least 18 months
- The business is in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sectors
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Support social enterprises to address collective community needs
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme(SICAP)
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme provides direct financial support that can make a significant difference to people by giving them the financial assistance they need to put their business ideas into practice. SICAP supports the establishment and expansion of social enterprises to address collective community needs, including employing those who are most marginalised. In turn, this can foster the establishment of local services where other enterprises may not be in a position to do so. From 2024, once-off enterprise start-up grants may assist an individual to set up a business.
SICAP supports a range of disadvantaged and marginalised groups in society who are unable or unlikely to access mainstream supports.
You might be eligible if:
- You are an individual who is starting a business
- You are a business operating using a social enterprise model whereby your enterprise generates non-public funding by charging for goods and services delivered
- To be eligible for support, social enterprises (SEs) supported under SICAP must provide services to one or more of the 12 named target groups, including the provision of employment or training opportunities, and/or focus on addressing one or more of the programme’s eight thematic focus areas.
The 12 SICAP target groups include:
- People living in disadvantaged communities
- People impacted by educational disadvantage
- People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious
- People who are long-term unemployed
- People with a criminal history
- Refugees
- International Protection applicants
- Disabled people/people with disabilities
- Heads of one-parent families
- Travellers
- Roma
- Island residents
Local SEs should contact their nearest Programme Implementing (PI) organisation (available on the Pobal website) for further details and support.
Low-cost loans for growth, resilience and sustainability
Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme
This support offers loans of up to €3 million. These loans can be used to make long-term investments in equipment, premises, process innovation or research and development.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- You are a small mid-cap company (A small mid-cap is an enterprise that is not an SME but has fewer than 500 employees)
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Get flexible funding for vehicles and machinery
Leasing and Hire Purchase
Flexible funding schemes, like hire purchase agreements, allow you to own the asset at the end of the contract. While a finance lease allows you to rent the asset for as long as you need it, then return it.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
A low-cost loan to grow your business
Expansion Loan
This is a small-scale loan to fund plans to grow and expand your business.
You might be eligible if:
- You're an established business
- Your business has fewer than 10 full-time employees
- Your business has an annual turnover of less than €2 million
- Your business has experienced difficulty in securing loans from other lending providers
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Financial help to invest in initial assets
Capital Grants
This support provides assistance to businesses making an initial investment in ‘material assets’ such as buildings or equipment, or ‘immaterial assets’ such as the transfer of technology through the acquisition of patent rights, licences, know-how or unpatented technical knowledge.
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.
Raise money and grow your business
SEIS & EIS
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) helps smaller, higher-risk trading companies raise finance by offering tax relief to investors who buy new shares.
A company seeking finance via the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) or EIS will need to obtain advance assurance from HMRC that the company, its trade and its shares qualify. This
will give potential investors comfort that the company should qualify for SEIS/EIS relief.
You might be eligible if:
- You’re a limited company registered
- You have been trading for up to 7 years
- You’re in a qualifying trade
- You’re planning to spend the investment on a qualifying trade
(Non-UK companies can avail of the SEIS and EIS schemes if they meet the criteria set out by HMRC to qualify and importantly have a permanent establishment in the UK.)
Tailored support to help your business succeed
Skillnet Ireland MentorsWork
MentorsWork is a targeted business support programme focused on SMEs that provides training to owner-managers on how to increase and maintain their businesses competitiveness through strong leadership skills.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a private sector business based in Ireland with between 1 and 250 employees
Ireland’s food and drink start-up accelerator programme
Food Works
This support helps early-stage food and drink companies prepare for global growth and attract investment through resources and expert guidance.
You may be eligible if:
You are early-stage food and drink companies that aim to scale globally. The aim of the programme is to get these companies investment ready.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions