Running a business in Ireland can be tough, but help is available. In this section you will find information on a range of supports to help you save money, work smarter and keep up with the competition. Whether you need a hand with a problem today, a way to manage your money better, or support to make your business even stronger, here you can find helpful resources to get started.
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Keep up and running
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Featured productivity supports
Making your business more productive is about finding smart ways to get more done in less time and with less resources.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most popular supports for creating a more productive business.
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13 supports based on your selections
Skillnet Innovation Exchange
Join an ecosystem of innovative companies to fast-track business solutions
Skillnet Innovation Exchange is a skills marketplace that connects large businesses facing innovation challenges to ambitious Irish SMEs with the talent that can fast-track solutions.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a scaling technology SME company that need an instant sales pipeline as well as access to key decision makers, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large corporates.
- You are a large company looking for access to Ireland’s most talented solutions providers and to collaborations that accelerate digital transformation.
Operational Excellence
Help to improve efficiency and competitiveness
Your business must be able to respond, adapt and improve in response to constant changes in customer needs, suppliers, and your own day-to-day operations. This support helps you to invest in a major transformation project which could help your business be more competitive on an international level.
Businesses redesigning their business to make it more efficient and competitive.
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
- Have been trading for at least 5 years, with revenues of at least €500,000
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.
Category Management
Improve the way you pitch and propose to your customers
This support helps food and drink businesses use data and insights to show the value of their products during customer discussions.
Food or drink businesses looking to grow their sales.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
CMS (Commercial Marketing Strategy)
Develop your own market-ready strategies to grow your business
The Bord Bia Commercial Marketing Strategy helps food and drink businesses create marketing plans–with marketing tools and resources–for brand visibility and growth.
Food or drink businesses that need support building their strategy for growth, at home or in export markets.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Cyber Security Review Grant
Take the first or next step to improving your company’s cyber security in a fluid world
Enterprise Ireland, in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre, offers the Cyber Security Review. This initiative provides companies like yours access to cyber security experts who will conduct an independent review of your company’s cyber security status, identify vulnerabilities, and develop a clear roadmap for you to enhance your security measures.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Enterprise Ireland (EI) client
EEN: Innovation Company Innovation Capability Analysis Tool
Unlocking Innovation: Evaluating Your Company's Journey and Strategic Growth Areas
Assessing a company's innovation capacity involves evaluating its current position on the innovation journey and identifying strategies to address specific areas within the business that need improvement.
- All organizations engaged in their innovation journey and in need of further assistance.
Key Customer Management
Build better relationships with your most important customers
This support helps your teams find opportunities for mutual growth to improve customer experiences.
Food and drink businesses that want to improve their customer relationships.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
LeanPlus (Údarás)
Apply Lean practices to improve operational effectiveness
In an ever-evolving world, businesses must always be ready for change. LeanPlus is an in-depth programme that helps you put new processes in place to reduce costs and make your business more efficient and competitive.
Businesses that want to put new processes in place to improve company productivity and reduce inefficiency
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 already completed LeanStart
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
LeanStart - Udaras
An introduction to Lean Thinking
LeanStart is an introductory, short-focused training programme that introduces your company to Lean thinking. Lean thinking is a set of business principles that can help staff learn new ways of working and identify inefficient processes that do not add value to a business.
Businesses looking to make practical improvements in their business to deliver better quality faster and without waste.
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.
Featured cashflow supports
Maintain a healthy cash flow to keep your business running smoothly.
From budgeting advice to funding to tide you over, here are some of the most popular supports that can provide financial help to keep your business running.
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47 supports based on your selections
TV Drama Production
This funding is for TV drama series originated and creatively led by Irish talents – directors, writers, producers
Screen Ireland aims to drive the expansion of the indigenous TV drama production sector and provide opportunities for Irish talent to develop both creatively and professionally.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Irish producer with a television drama series you wish to produce, with clear access to the necessary rights and prior international marketplace finance and substantial broadcaster or TV streaming service funding
- Applications will generally express Irish culture in some way and the practical management must be primarily in Irish hands
Women in business
Supporting Women in Business
At Enterprise Ireland, we’re dedicated to propelling Ireland’s economy by cultivating a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. Increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women in management is a strong focus for Enterprise Ireland, and this work is underpinned by our six-year Action Plan for Women in Business.
Explore the different initiatives available to women in business.
You may be eligible if you are:
- A woman founder
- A woman leader in an established business
Television Drama Development
This scheme aims to provide opportunities for Irish talent to create original drama content
This funding enables Irish producers with a track record in TV Drama production to originate live action TV drama projects.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Irish producer with a television drama project you wish to develop, clear access to the necessary rights in any material that is to be adapted for the screen, and an agreement (at least in principle) with the screenwriter you wish to commission
Business Energy Upgrade Grant - Tailored Support
Business grants for tailored supports
Specialising in providing flexible grants business grants to meet your exact requirements.
You may be eligible if :
- These are aimed at projects that look to make several energy upgrades and are not in immediate need of a payout.
Nationwide Additional Production Fund
This additional production loan is for projects that are carrying out production in areas of Ireland outside a radius of 65km from the Dublin GPO.
Productions must have the balance of their finance fully confirmed at the time of application. All applications must involve the meaningful engagement of Irish crew in all grades and include programmes supporting new entrants, upskilling, sustainability and diversity and inclusion in the areas of Ireland outside a radius of 65km from the Dublin GPO
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Irish production company (production companies registered in the Republic of Ireland which have an office and staff based in the Republic of Ireland) in relation to productions that are considering producing in the relevant areas of the Republic of Ireland.
Productions that have not yet commenced principal photography/animation are eligible to apply for this funding.
Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs
Tax refund for job leavers starting businesses
The Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) is an Income Tax refund for people who leave employment to become entrepreneurs and start up their own company.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an entrepreneur who is leaving PAYE employment (or recently unemployed) and starting your own company.
- You have mainly PAYE income in the previous four years
- For the three years preceding the year before the investment, you do not have earnings from any other source in excess of €50,000 or the employment income (whichever is lowest).
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions which can be found on the Revenue website.
Start-Up Capital Incentive
Tax relief for family backing new businesses
Family are often the key investors in new micro-enterprises. The Start-Up Capital Incentive (SCI) provides tax relief to family members who invest early stage micro-enterprises.
SCI helps new micro-enterprises attract investment from family members (such as a spouse or civil partner, ancestor, lineal descendant or sibling).
You may be eligible if:
You are a micro-enterprise that employs less than 10 people.
You are carrying out a qualifying new venture.
You have not commenced or made preparations to commence carrying on any trade/business more than seven years before the share issue date.
You do not have any partner/linked enterprises.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions which can be found on the Revenue website.
Start-up Loan
Start-up Loan
If you are setting up a business or are in operation for less than 18 months, our start-up loan is available to help you get your business up and running.
You might be eligible if:
- You are setting up a business or are in operation for less than 18 months
- 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 a loan from the banks
- Living in Ireland
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme(SICAP)
SICAP 2024-2028 Supporting the expansion of Social Enterprises to address collective community needs
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, which in turn can foster the establishment of local services where other enterprises may not be in a position to. 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, SEs supported under SICAP must provide services to one or more of the 12 named target groups, including provision of employment/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.
New Markets Validation Grant
Conduct market research to validate the selected market with funding up to €150,000
If you’re excited about your business’ potential for growth in new geographic markets, but wondering if it is the right decision for your company, this fund will enable you to undertake market research and develop viable and sustainable market entry strategies.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Enterprise Ireland client
- Developing effective market entry strategies is essential for achieving sustainable growth and competitive advantage in new markets.
- The grant supports companies to undertake rigorous validation of the selected market to test demand for the product or service prior to committing resources to its launch.
Featured upskill supports
Help your team to learn new skills to keep your business moving forward.
Here are some of the most popular supports for skills development that will help to keep your business on track.
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60 supports based on your selections
Work and Access
Financial supports to help make workplaces more accessible
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
Women in business
Supporting Women in Business
At Enterprise Ireland, we’re dedicated to propelling Ireland’s economy by cultivating a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. Increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women in management is a strong focus for Enterprise Ireland, and this work is underpinned by our six-year Action Plan for Women in Business.
Explore the different initiatives available to women in business.
You may be eligible if you are:
- A woman founder
- A woman leader in an established business
Training Grant
Funding for employee training programmes
Expanding your business requires new skills and expertise. This support provides assistance for training programmes that train or retrain employees.
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.
Mentoring
Get one-on-one advice and guidance from experienced mentors
In business, it’s helpful to get advice from someone who truly understands where you are coming from. This support matches experienced business people with small business owners/managers who need practical guidance.
Small business owners/managers who need practical and strategic one-to-one advice.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- You employ up to 50 people
- Your existing business is registered and operating in Ireland
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
SYNERGY
Charge up your cross-border collaborations with access to key networks and support
Synergy contributes to the development of clusters and networks in Ireland and Northern Ireland by supporting collaborative all-island projects, cluster research projects and cluster practitioner training.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a network or cluster of entrepreneurs
- You are a cluster initiative
- Academics
- Policy makers
- Your project aligns with InterTradeIreland's Corporate Plan
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
Strategic Talent Development
Help leadership teams in multinational companies to build new talent within their organisation
The Strategic Talent Development Programme is a collaborative partnership between Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland designed to support leaders and leadership teams in multinational companies based in Ireland.
You may be eligible if:
- You are part of a leadership team in established foreign direct investment (FDI) companies in Ireland.
Strategic Consultancy Services Grant
Cover the cost of expert advice on business development
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.
SOLAS x LEO: ILM
Elevate your business and career with Leadership and Management skills
Fast track your way to leadership excellence with targeted, comprehensive upskilling featuring one-to-one coaching. This programme is available at little to no cost through the Skills to Advance initiative.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a small, medium or large enterprise
- You are in employment
- You are a Local Enterprise Office client company (up to 50 employees)
Spotlight On Skills
Identify and address critical skills needed for growth
The Spotlight on Skills programme is a collaboration between Enterprise Ireland, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Irish Management Institute (IMI). The programme has been developed to help businesses create a company skills plan.The initiative is run online and will support your company to identify and address critical skills needs, to build capability and achieve strategic growth. As part of the process your company has a focused engagement with their local Regional Skills Manager to get a response from the Educational and Training Providers in your region to address your critical skills needs.
You may be eligible if:
Participants should include two team members of your companys senior executive team who are:
- Familiar with your business strategy for the next 1-5 years.
- Understand the entire business operation.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Standard Mentor Assignment - Udaras
Practical business advice from a large mentor network
Enterprise Ireland has a Mentor Network of over 400 successful business people with international business development experience. Údarás na Gaeltachta can offer you one-to-one sessions and practical business advice through this business mentor programme.
Business owners who want guidance from a mentor who is experienced in your sector.
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.