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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13 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.
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.
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.
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.
Specialist Infrastructure
Access to specialist know-how, facilities and services
The National Prepared Consumer Food Centre supports research, development and innovation in the Prepared Consumer Food and wider food sector.
You might be eligible if:
You are a company involved in the development and manufacturing of:
Meat products
Bakery products
Fruit and vegetable-based products
Savoury snacks
Food preparations including ready meals, sauces, confectionary
Non-alcoholic beverages
Specialist Infrastructure- Moorepark Technology Limited
Moorepark Technology Limited (MTL) operates an ultra modern plant covering 5,000 sq. metres floor area.
The facility contains the most up-to-date and versatile pilot scale processing equipment for food research and development, and commercialisation.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a company engaged in research/development and pre- commercial scale manufacturing in product areas such as;
Dairy Products
Dried Food Ingredients
Bioprocessing
Beverages
Liquid foods & Ingredients
Yellow Fat Spreads
Consultancy and Auditing on Food Safety and Quality Management Systems
To further support innovation and development within the Irish food sector, we offer a range of activities on a consultancy basis
Independent consultancy and auditing services providing objective assessment on both the adequacy, and the effective implementation of current food safety and quality management programmes.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a food industry/manufacturing company.
Sensory Analysis
A range of sensory analysis testing services.
Teagasc provide sensory analysis, training and consultancy services
You might be eligible if:
- You are a food sector company
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Seafood Processing Funding
Funding to invest in seafood processing
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.
LEADER programme for Rural Development
Get funding 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 2023-2027 LEADER Programme can fund the following enterprise types; green economy, agricultural diversification, rural tourism & recreation, innovative enterprise development, rural food production and social, community and 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 a 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.
- To be eligible for LEADER funding, a project 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.
Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs
Tax refund when you leave employment to start a business.
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 leaving PAYE employment (or recently unemployed) and starting your own company.
- You had mainly PAYE income in the previous four years
- For the three years preceding the year before the investment, you did not have earnings from any other source in excess of €50,000 or your employment income (whichever is lower).
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions which can be found on the Revenue website.
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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Select Business Size
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16 supports based on your selections
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.
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).
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
Work Placement Experience Programme
Offer voluntary work experience placements to jobseekers
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.
Trade Export Pathway
Explore your cross-border export potential
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.
Business Expansion Grant
Help your early-stage business to grow
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.
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.
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.
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