Starting your own business is an exciting time, and we provide support for aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups. In this section, you will find information on a range of support options, from researching your idea to expert advice, so you can nurture your idea and transform it into reality.
Whether you are an innovative start-up with international ambitions or an early-stage venture focusing on the domestic market, here you can find helpful resources to get started.
How can we help?
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Featured development supports
Starting a business begins with a strong idea but turning it into a reality takes research, planning, and the right support.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help you test and refine your idea, get expert, advice, and build a solid foundation for long-term success.
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10 supports based on your selections
Fáilte Ireland's Live Learning Schedule
Tourism & Hospitality Live learning sessions led by experts
A full annualised and dynamic calendar of online workshops courses and webinars help to build your employees’ industry knowledge, skills and capability of teams and help your business stay competitive and resilient. Courses also support businesses to identify and harness business development opportunities.
Businesses looking for opportunities for skill development on various aspects of the Irish tourism and hospitality industry.
You might be eligible if you are a business in the Irish hospitality and tourism industry, such as:
- an accommodation provider (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering)
- a restaurant or cafe
- an activity providers (tours, attractions, adventure activities)
- a tourism-related businesses (transport, retail, cultural experiences, festival)
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Food Research, Advice and Training
Advice, consultancy and training in a range of technical activities
Teasgasc provides advice, consultancy and training in a broad range of technical activities including product and process development, plant facilities, compliance with legislation and codes of practice, food safety and quality management systems.
You might be eligible if:
- You are an owner or manager seeking to upskill.
- You are an entrepreneur interested in starting a food business and seeking advice and training.
- You are an established food company that wants to improve the skills and knowledge of their workforce.
- You are a start-up food business that requires foundational training.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Business Support Hub
Access expert advice on running a tourism business in Ireland
This extensive range of online resources includes self help guides, resources business and finance calculators, templates, advice access to training.
Gain access to insights, trends and the latest tourism research and reports and expert advice all developed in consultation with industry experts to meet your needs.
Businesses that want to develop their business capability, performance and team skills to stay competitive and/or grow.
You might be eligible if you are a business in the Irish hospitality and tourism industry, such as:
- an accommodation provider (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering)
- a restaurant or cafe
- an activity providers (tours, attractions, adventure activities)
- a tourism-related businesses (transport, retail, cultural experiences, festival planning)
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Champions Programme
Enhance your tourism business's customer service and local knowledge with this FREE Programme.
An in person training course on Inclusive customer service and local tourism product knowledge delivered in person at numerous locations around the country, to support staff involved with tourism visitors.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Tourism and Hospitality Professional: Business owners, managers, and frontline staff directly involved in the industry.
- Or Visitor Experience Supporters: Businesses offering services that enhance the visitor experience, such as Public and private transport (taxi services, drivers, etc.), Equipment and vehicle rentals (holiday, adventure) and event staff and volunteers (festivals, etc.)
- In short, anyone who contributes to a positive visitor experience in the tourism and hospitality sector can benefit from this program.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
LearniFI - Fáilte Ireland's Learning Platform
An e-learning platform for Tourism and Hospitality businesses
An online learning platform for tourism and hospitality busineses and staff teams offering over 250 courses and resources designed to enhance business capabilities.
The free platform supports businesses and their employees in skill development and team capability building, ultimately improving overall business performance and efficiency.
Businesses looking for opportunities to develop the skills of their employees and improve overall efficiency.
You might be eligible if you are a business in the Irish hospitality and tourism industry, such as:
- an accommodation provider (hotels, B&Bs, self-catering)
- a restaurant or cafe
- an activity providers (tours, attractions, adventure activities)
- a tourism-related businesses (transport, retail, cultural experiences, festival planning)
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Business Advice Clinics
One-on-one clinic appointment with experienced business advisors
A confidential meeting with a Business Advisor is available to those with a business venture. This meeting will provide general advice and details on the various supports available, as well as signposting to other Government supports and possibilities to be involved in the LEO network's flagship events such as the Enterprise Village at the Ploughing Championships or our Enterprise Zone at Showcase.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business.
- Your existing business is operating in Ireland
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
Market Research Centre
Turn market data into better business decisions
Enterprise Ireland's Market Research Centre helps businesses to collect data to uncover trends, potential successes, and challenges in a market. Based on this data, businesses can make smarter choices and gain valuable market research skills.
Businesses that are thinking about scaling up and want to carry out research to understand the market opportunities.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Enterprise Ireland (EI) client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Research and Development (R&D) Corporation Tax Credit
Tax credit for expenditure on research and development (R&D) activities
The R&D Tax Credit can help your business pursue research and development projects and contribute to innovation and productivity.
You may be eligible if:
- the company carries out qualifying R&D activities in Ireland, the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, and
- is within the charge of Corporation Tax in Ireland. A company may qualify for the R&D Corporation Tax Credit if its R&D activities meet the following criteria:
- involve systematic, investigative or experimental activities
- are in the field of science or technology;
- involve one, or more, of these categories of R&D: basic research, applied research, or experimental development;
- seek to achieve a scientific or technological advancement; and
- involve the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty.
https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/reliefs-and-exemptions/research-and-development-rd-tax-credit/index.aspx
INTREO Recruitment Services
Your single point of contact for all employment and income supports
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.
Solas FET Micro-Qualifications
Upskill your employees to future-proof your business
Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications are short, accredited, and highly subsidised upskilling programmes for enterprises and employees. Typically, the total learning time amounts to 50 hours, consisting of tutor training and self-directed learning. All FET micro-qualifications are delivered locally through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide and are provided under the Skills to Advance upskilling initiative.
Employers and employees looking to access bite-sized, accredited upskilling programmes in emerging skill areas, such as sustainability/green skills, digital business, market innovation and more.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a small, medium or large enterprise
- You are in employment
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Featured funding supports
Bringing your business idea to life requires the right financial support. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, funding can help you take the next step.
Here are some supports to help you access grants, manage cash flow, and secure investment for your start up.
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11 supports based on your selections
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.
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.
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.
Pre-Seed Start Fund
Supporting early-stage companies in reaching the key technical and commercial milestones
Enterprise Ireland's Pre-Seed Start Fund is an early stage investment that provides early-stage start-up companies with up to €100,000 to help them develop their products or services and reach key milestones
You may be eligible if:
- You are a start-up that have a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) or be live in Beta and have early demonstrable customer validation
- A validated customer proposition with market research conducted
- A clear execution plan identifying key milestones to be achieved
- Evidence of innovation, internationalisation potential and employment capacity
- A team with experience, domain knowledge and a balance of skills
- Early-stage companies in the Manufacturing & Internationally Traded Services sectors
- An existing or potential client of Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start Up Unit (HPSU)
- Former Competitive Start Fund (CSF) investee companies may apply for a maximum of €50,000 if they are suitable
Back to Work Enterprise Scheme
The BTWEA encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to become self employed
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance allows those embarking on self employment to retain some existing welfare benefits while setting up a new business
- People getting certain social welfare payments who want to become self employed .
- Must have been on Social Welfare for at least 9 months.
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.
LEADER programme for Rural Development
LEADER Programme: Funding Projects for Economic Growth, Rural Infrastructure, and Climate Resilience
LEADER is a community-led approach to local development funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. The 2023-22027 LEADER Programme can fund the following enterprise types; Green Economy, Agricultural Diversification, Rural Tourism & Recreation, Innovative Enterprise Development, Rural Food Production and Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises. Funding is available for all rural areas. For the purposes of the LEADER programme in Ireland, rural areas are defined as all parts of Ireland with the exception of the areas within the boundaries of the five main cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway.
You may be eligible if:
- your enterprise (including social enterprise) is located in a rural area - defined as 'all parts of Ireland with the exception of the areas within the boundaries of the five main cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway'
- In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme
Innovation Voucher
Develop new solutions to business challenges
With Innovation Vouchers, your business can collaborate with higher education institutes and public research bodies. The aim of this innovation grant is to explore opportunities or solve technical problems to help improve your business.
Businesses that want to investigate new business opportunities, find solutions to technical problems, and develop new products or processes.
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 an annual turnover of less than €50m
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
Innovation Vouchers
Discover new solutions to business challenges
Innovation is essential to keep your business competitive. Innovation vouchers help small businesses collaborate with higher education institutes and public research bodies to solve technical challenges and explore new opportunities.
Businesses seeking fresh thinking around a business challenge.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- You employ up to 50 people
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
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.
Featured scaling supports
Taking your business to the next level can be daunting. But with the right support and guidance, you can grow more efficiently and reach new markets.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help you scale your startup, streamline operations, and expand your reach
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15 supports based on your selections
Woodland Improvement Scheme
Offers financial support to forest owners for sustainable forest management
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland runs the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS) to provide financial support to forest owners for sustainable forest management practices. This helps meet the goals of both producing wood products and conserving the environment.
You may be eligible if:
You are an individual applicant or company
You must be the owner, leaseholder or joint manager of the land at the time of the application.
Organic Farming Scheme
Provides financial support to farmers to encourage production of organic foods
A program that financially supports farmers who are converting to or continuing organic farming practices. The scheme's goals are to encourage organic food production, reduce the environmental impact of farming and improve animal welfare.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an applicant who wishes to produce livestock and crop products according to the EU organic standards and have completed an approved training course
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.
Business Angel Funding
Raise new equity capital in the seed and early stages of your company’s development
Business angel finance may be more suitable than venture capital funding. Business angels are high net worth individuals who invest on their own, or as part of a syndicate, in high growth businesses. In addition to money, they often make their own skills, experience and contacts available to the company.
You might be eligible if:
- Your business is in the seed or early stages of development.
Equity Advisory Service
One-to-one equity advice
Intertrade Ireland's Equity Advisor, venture capitalist and business development advisor, Drew O’Sullivan, offers one-to-one advice for early stage high growth ventures that intend to raise funds in the next 12 months
You might be eligible if:
- You have a minimum new equity funding requirement of €100,000
In addition, you must demonstrate that you meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- HPSU status or equivalent in Northern Ireland
- Have been appointed a Development Advisor with Enterprise Ireland or Client Executive with Invest Northern Ireland
- Sales in excess of €100,000 (or sterling equivalent)
- Have already raised €50,000 (or sterling equivalent) equity finance
- Have completed a recognised accelerator/platform programme
In some cases short listing may be applied where there is strong demand for the service.
Fisheries Funding
Funding for the Irish Fisheries 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 small-scale coastal fishery and vessels up to 24 meters as well as promote aquaculture.
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Market Explorer Grant
Support for first time and small-scale exporters
The Market Explorer Grant aims to support eligible companies seeking to explore either a new geographic market for an existing product/service, or an existing geographic market for a new product/service.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small enterprise (with between 1 and 50 full time employees)
- Operate as Manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services businesses and are solvent as demonstrated in the financial statements supplied and have current tax clearance from Revenue.
- Are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or IDA.
- Operate commercially and are established and trading for at least 12 months, registered, and carrying on activity within the area of the Local Enterprise Office.
Have demonstrated intention to internationalise i.e:
- have completed Export Accelerator or
- similar LEO Exporter Programme or
- have developed an internationalisation plan or
- have initial small-scale exports that can be increased (suggestion is <10K).
Cashflow Loan
A low-cost loan to support cashflow
This is a small scale loan to support the day-to-day running of your business.
You may 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 a loan from other lending providers
- Living in Ireland
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Grow Digital Voucher
Financial support to embrace digital technology
Grow Digital Voucher offers financial support so your business can embrace digital technology
You may be eligible if:
- Established and trading for at least 6 months, registered, and operate within the area of the Local Enterprise Office
Market Discovery Fund
Carry out market research and develop a plan to enter new markets
Enterprise Ireland's Market Discovery Fund is an export development grant that supports businesses who are looking to explore new market opportunities.
Businesses who are planning to enter into new international markets, or looking to introduce new products or services within existing markets.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Enterprise Ireland (EI) client
- You are a potential EI client operating a small to medium or large business
- You have been trading for 5+ years with annual revenues of at least €500K
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.