Frequently Asked Questions

There are many supports if you are thinking of starting a business. The national network of LEOs offers a range of supports for start-up companies which include the Priming, Grant, Business advice, Start Your Own Business courses, Mentoring, Feasibility Study Grant and many more. The Priming Grant, administered by your Local Enterprise Office (LEO), supports businesses up to 18 months old with capital costs, business development expenses, and salary contributions.You may be eligible for up to 50% of total eligible costs, typically to a maximum of €80,000 (higher amounts up to €150,000 are considered in exceptional cases where the business has clear potential to graduate to Enterprise Ireland). The Priming Grant does not cover retail enterprises, personal services such as hair salons, barbers, nail bars, creches, professional services such as accountants or solicitors, or construction and local building services. There is also the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) scheme , a Revenue income tax refund for individuals leaving PAYE employment to start their own limited company. The best first step is to contact us at the National Enterprise Hub directly or search neh.gov.ie by business stage and sector to see everything you may be eligible for. 

Yes. Microfinance Ireland offers loans of €2,000 to €50,000 specifically for businesses that do not qualify for mainstream bank lending - including early-stage businesses with limited collateral or credit history. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA), administered by the Department of Social Protection through Intreo, allows people on certain qualifying social welfare payments to retain 100% of their payment in year one and 75% in year two while starting a new business (you must have been on a qualifying payment for at least 9 months, and the business must be approved in advance). Your Local Enterprise Office can also provide mentoring and training at low or no cost while you develop your idea before any financial commitment is needed. 

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA), administered by the Department of Social Protection through Intreo, allows eligible people on certain social welfare payments to retain 100% of their payment in the first year and 75% in the second year for up to two years while establishing a new business. The business must be approved in advance by an Employment Personal Adviser and a Local Development Company. The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) is a separate scheme for those receiving Jobseeker's Benefit who want to start a business; it replaces the Jobseeker's Benefit payment for a maximum of nine months. In addition, the Enterprise Support Grant (up to €2,500) may be available to BTWEA participants to help with business setup costs. Your Local Enterprise Office can provide free mentoring, low-cost training, and potentially grant support alongside these. 

The path here depends on your specific circumstances. If you are moving from part-time PAYE employment to full-time self-employment but are not currently on a social welfare payment, the BTWEA and STEA routes are unlikely to apply .Those schemes are designed for people receiving qualifying welfare payments. However, several other options are worth exploring. The Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) scheme provides a refund of income tax paid over the previous six years for individuals who leave PAYE employment to establish a new limited company and work full-time in it.This could be relevant if you are forming a company rather than trading as a sole trader. Your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is the best first point of contact, they can provide free or subsidised mentoring, help you structure your business plan, and identify relevant grants regardless of your employment status. The New Frontiers Programme, Enterprise Ireland's national entrepreneurship development programme, may also be applicable depending on the nature of your business. Contact the NEH on 01 727 2100 to discuss your situation. 

Your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is the dedicated first point of contact for anyone starting or considering a business in Ireland. There are 31 LEOs - one in each local authority area. They offer free or subsidised mentoring, business planning support, and can tell you what grants you may be eligible for at your stage of development. The NEH at neh.gov.ie aggregates support from all 30+ government agencies in one place. You can also call the NEH directly on 01 727 2100 or use the live chat on neh.gov.ie to speak with a trained advisor who can guide you. 

No you can avail of soft supports without been registered with the CRO, if you are looking for grant or funding offerings generally you must be registered with the  Home - CRO to apply for most government business supports in Ireland, particularly if you are a limited company or operating under a business name. Registration confirms your business is established, tax-compliant, and operating legally, so it is worth checking the specific requirements on neh.gov.ie or with your LEO before applying.   

Microfinance Ireland offers small business loans of €2,000 to €50,000 for businesses that do not meet the criteria for standard bank lending. These are designed for viable businesses with limited collateral or credit history. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) provides lower-cost loan products through participating commercial banks - useful for working capital, equipment investment, and expansion. These are accessed through your bank, not directly through SBCI. Your Local Enterprise Office can advise on the most appropriate route for your circumstances.  

The Business Expansion Grant from your Local Enterprise Office is the primary route for established businesses past the startup stage. It covers training, business development expenses and salary costs. Enterprise Ireland's 'GradStart' programme provides up to €15,000 per year (or 50% of the graduate's salary, whichever is lower) toward hiring a graduate on a two-year contract. Available to Enterprise Ireland client companies. The Market Explorer Grant helps businesses explore new export markets. The Key Manager Support Scheme, also administered by Enterprise Ireland for its client companies, provides funding toward the salary costs of a senior manager hired to drive growth.  

Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I), along with the effective use of knowledge, are key to the long-term growth and competitiveness of Irish businesses. The Enterprise Ireland RD&I Fund aims to support companies at all stages of development in undertaking research, development and innovation activities. This support helps firms move from initial exploratory research through to advanced innovation and high-level R&D. Eligible LEO client companies (excluding sole traders) can apply for funding to support the development of new or enhanced products, services, or processes under the following schemes. RD&I Funding, and the IP Strategy Offer (IP Start and IP Plus) 

Both RD&I funding, IP Strategy Offer, GradStart and the Key Manager Support Scheme are available to Enterprise Ireland client companies - businesses not yet on Enterprise Ireland's books should speak to the NEH first to establish the right entry point. 

There is no dedicated 'rescue grant' for established businesses in financial difficulty, but several supports are relevant. The Business Expansion Grant (LEO) can fund training and business development to improve competitiveness. Microfinance Ireland provides loans of €2,000–€50,000 for businesses unable to access mainstream bank lending, including those experiencing cashflow pressure. SBCI loan products through commercial banks may offer lower-cost working capital finance. Solas also offer a large upskilling/reskilling training (often free or highly subsidised) delivered locally through Education & Training Boards (ETBs).Your LEO can also provide a business mentor to help diagnose the issues and identify the most appropriate path forward. Start at neh.gov.ie or call 01 727 2100.

Yes. If the expansion involves a new product, service, or market, the Business Expansion Grant or Feasibility Study Grant from your LEO may apply. The Innovation Voucher (€10,000 from Enterprise Ireland, open to CRO-registered limited companies) funds collaboration with a publicly funded research body to develop a new idea or solve a business challenge. If the new stream involves improving your digital capability, the Grow Digital Voucher (up to €5,000, covering 50% of eligible software and IT configuration costs) is the current LEO scheme for digital investment - applicants must first complete a free Digital for Business assessment through their LEO. The right support depends on the nature of the expansion. Visit the neh.gov.ie's  filtered search for the fastest way to identify what fits.  

Yes, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) offers supports for hiring external consultants to develop a business strategy. The most relevant supports for this, based on your stage of business, include the Mentoring Programme, Feasibility/Innovation Grant or Business Expansion Grant. If you are not yet a LEO client, contact the NEH on 01 727 2100 . The advisors can refer you to your Local Enterprise Office.  

Several routes are relevant depending on your business size and the nature of the investment. The Business Expansion Grant from your Local Enterprise Office can contribute toward capital costs for eligible businesses with up to 50 employees. The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) provides lower-cost loans through commercial bank partners specifically for capital investment, including equipment and machinery - these are accessed through your participating bank. If the new equipment relates to energy efficiency, SEAI's EXEED Grant Scheme covers a portion of capital costs for major energy efficiency investments. The Accelerated Capital Allowance | Business Grants | SEAI  is an Irish tax incentive enabling businesses, farmers, and sole traders to deduct 100% of the cost of eligible energy-efficient machinery from taxable profits in the first year. Managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), it covers equipment on the Triple E register, such as advanced lighting, heating, cooling, and electric. For larger manufacturing companies that are or could become Enterprise Ireland clients, Enterprise Ireland has capital investment supports linked to development plans. Contact the NEH on 01 727 2100 to identify the most appropriate route for your scale and sector. 

The Employment Investment Incentive (EII) scheme allows individual investors to claim income tax relief on investments in qualifying Irish companies, encouraging equity-based finance for SMEs. Most standard trading activities qualify. However, the scheme excludes certain activities, among them property development and rental, professional services such as legal and medical practices and financial activities. If your business is primarily involved in property refurbishment and rental, this is unlikely to qualify as a trading activity under EIIS rules, Revenue's published guidelines at revenue.ie are the primary source or speak to a tax adviser. The NEH on 01 727 2100 can point you to the EII information on neh.gov.ie and help you identify alternative support options if EIIS is not appropriate. 

Microfinance Ireland offers small business loans of €2,000 to €50,000 for businesses that do not meet the criteria for standard bank lending. These are designed for viable businesses with limited collateral or credit history.  The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) provides lower-cost loan products through participating commercial banks,this is useful for working capital, equipment investment, and expansion. These are accessed through your bank, not directly through SBCI. Your Local Enterprise Office can advise on the most appropriate route for your circumstances.  

Microfinance Ireland exists specifically for this situation. It provides loans of €2,000 to €50,000 for micro-businesses and startups that don't qualify for standard bank credit. Applications can be made directly through Microfinance Ireland. The SBCI also works with a range of non-bank lending partners - not just the pillar banks - so it is worth checking their current panel of lenders at sbci.gov.ie. Your Local Enterprise Office advisor can also point you to the most suitable option for your business type and stage. 

Yes. The Energy Efficiency Grant from your Local Enterprise Office covers 75% of eligible energy efficiency costs, up to a maximum grant of €10,000. It is available to businesses with 1–50 employees that are not already supported by Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland and have undertaken a Green for Business, Green Start or SEAI Energy Audit. SEAI also offers free energy audits to help businesses identify where the biggest savings can be made. If you are in the tourism or accommodation sector, Fáilte Ireland has additional capital supports for green upgrades. Search neh.gov.ie by goal to see a filtered list of all current energy efficiency supports. 

Yes, SEAI commercial EV grants for new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are worth up to €3,800 for small/medium vans (N1S) and up to €7,600 for large panel vans (N1L). These grants are available to businesses and public entities for qualifying new N1 category vehicles (max 3,500 kg) with price caps of €60,000 to €90,000. The NEH advisors can help you confirm current eligibility on 01 727 2100. 

Yes, there are several grants and supports in Ireland to help businesses become more sustainable by hiring environmental experts, most notably the GreenStart grant and the Climate Action Voucher | Business Support | Enterprise Ireland These programs, often accessed through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or Enterprise Ireland, fund consultants to help with environmental audits, sustainability strategies, and cost-saving, eco-friendly improvements .

The Grow Digital Voucher provides up to €5,000 (covering 50% of eligible costs) for investment in new software, IT configuration and training. To be eligible, businesses must first complete a free Digital for Business assessment through their LEO. For this, businesses must have been trading for at least six months, employ between 1 and 50 people and must not already be clients of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland. Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Voucher (€10,000, for CRO-registered limited companies) can fund collaboration with a technology research partner to develop or implement a more complex digital solution. Search our NEH site by the goal 'Become More Digital' to see the full current list. 

Innovation Vouchers are worth €10,000 and fund collaboration between a business and a publicly funded knowledge provider, such as a university or institute of technology on a specific business challenge. Applications are submitted through Enterprise Ireland's online portal at enterprise-ireland.com on an open call basis throughout the year. To be eligible, the business must be a limited company registered with the CRO in Ireland with fewer than 250 employees. Sole traders are not eligible.You do not need to be an existing Enterprise Ireland client to apply. Your Local Enterprise Office or the NEH advisors can provide guidance on the application process. 

There are a number of supports available to you. The Market Explorer Grant through the Local Enterprise Offices supports export-focused businesses in researching international markets, covering research costs, market assessment and travel.The “Get Exporting” programme  is designed to support businesses at every stage of their journey toward achieving initial export sales. Through our export development programme, they aim to simplify the export journey and help you build the knowledge, confidence and strategies needed to succeed in international markets. The New Frontiers Programme supports early-stage entrepreneurs or first-time founders. This is a national entrepreneur development programme designed to help people start and build scalable businesses. InterTradeIreland  provides supports for businesses looking to trade on the island of Ireland, including cross-border sales and marketing assistance. For software companies with genuine export ambition, a direct engagement with Enterprise Ireland is likely the most productive path.The NEH can facilitate an introduction or advise on the most appropriate programme at this stage.  

Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Fund is the primary route for third-level researchers in Ireland looking to translate research into a commercial product, service or company. It has three tiers. The Feasibility Grant provides €15,000 to fund an independent industry expert to conduct a market opportunity assessment and assess routes to commercialisation - this is typically the first step. Proof of Concept Funding, introduced in 2025, provides up to €100,000 over 12 months for activities such as customer discovery, prototype development, and early-stage technical validation. The Commercialisation Fund Award provides significant further funding of up to €350,000 to develop and build the innovation to a commercially viable point. All tiers are available to researchers in third-level institutions and non-profit research organisations in Ireland, including contract staff such as postdoctoral scientists. The first step is to contact Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Specialist Team and also speak to your institution's Technology Transfer Office. The Commercialisation Fund is listed on neh.gov.ie.

The NEH focuses on Irish domestic government supports across 30+ agencies. It does not directly administer EU funding programmes such as Horizon Europe or the European Innovation Council (EIC). For a high-potential biotech startup, the most relevant Irish government route is to engage with Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) programme, which provides equity investment and tailored supports for companies with the potential to achieve significant export sales. Enterprise Ireland is also the national contact point for a range of EU research and innovation funding programmes and can advise on the connection between domestic supports and EIC or Horizon Europe pathways. Enterprise Ireland can be contacted via enterprise-ireland.com. The NEH on 01 727 2100 can help you identify the right initial entry point. 

Yes. Skillnet Ireland operates a national network of subsidised, business-led training programmes across sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, technology, retail, and professional services. Businesses can access training at reduced or zero cost through Skillnet member networks. Local Enterprise Offices run workshops and short courses for business owners covering topics such as marketing, finance, digital skills, and lean practices. Enterprise Ireland's New Frontiers Programme provides intensive structured support for early-stage entrepreneurs. Solas (Skills to Advance) administers apprenticeship and further education routes for workforce development.  

Local Enterprise Offices run digital marketing workshops often at low or no cost covering social media strategy, content creation, and online advertising. The Grow Digital Voucher (up to €5,000, covering 50% of eligible costs) can fund professional help to build or improve your digital presence, including social media setup and tools, subject to the Digital for Business prerequisite. Skillnet Ireland's networks include programmes focused on digital skills. For a sole trader or small business at an early stage, the best starting point is your local LEO, which can advise on relevant upcoming workshops and current voucher eligibility. 

Local Enterprise Offices provide one-to-one mentoring matching business owners with experienced practitioners from their sector. Mentoring sessions are subsidised - most businesses pay a modest contribution. Enterprise Ireland offers mentoring and advisory support for scaling companies with export potential. InterTradeIreland provides trade advisory services for businesses looking to operate across the island of Ireland. Also Skillnet provide Mentoring - MentorsWork is a mentoring and learning initiative designed for SME owner-managers and leadership teams across all sectors in Ireland. To access LEO mentoring, contact your local office directly or go to neh.gov.ie to find your nearest LEO.  

Fáilte Ireland is the primary agency for tourism-related businesses, accommodation providers, visitor attractions and hospitality operators. It provides training, development funding and capital supports specifically for this sector. LEOs are active across the hospitality sector and can support with grants, training and mentoring. Skillnet Ireland has hospitality-focused networks offering subsidised training. SEAI grants for energy efficiency are relevant given the sector's energy costs. For businesses in the western region, the Western Development Commission provides additional regional enterprise supports. Search 'Hospitality and Tourism' on neh.gov.ie for a full filtered list. 

Bord Bia is the national agency for Irish food and drink promotion. It supports food and beverage businesses with trade show participation, market study visits, consumer research, and export market development - particularly targeting UK, EU, and US markets. Teagasc provides R&D, training, and advisory services for agri-food businesses. LEOs support food businesses with grants, training, and mentoring at a local level. Enterprise Ireland works with food businesses that have export ambition and a revenue base above certain thresholds. Filter by 'Food and Drink' on neh.gov.ie to see the full range. 

Enterprise Ireland’s Build to Innovate initiative is aimed at increasing productivity and innovation with a view to reducing the cost of construction. It seeks to support Irish companies active within the residential construction sector who wish to enhance the operational performance of their business. Skillnet Ireland has networks covering construction and related trades. Also there are a number of supports in the LEO including The Grow Digital Voucher which can support digitisation of quoting, scheduling, or customer management (subject to the Digital for Business prerequisite). If the business is interested in sustainable construction practices, SEAI grants may also apply. Contact us at the NEH and we will be happy to help. 

 The NEH is primarily designed to support trading businesses and a non-profit sports club sits slightly outside its core scope , however some relevant programmes are listed on neh.gov.ie. The LEADER Programme for Rural Development is the most significant fund for community and rural projects of this type. Administered at local level by Local Action Groups (LAGs), it provides grant aid for projects in rural areas,defined as all parts of Ireland outside the administrative boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Galway cities. Capital grants of up to 75% are available for eligible capital projects (maximum €200,000) and up to 90% for analysis and development projects (maximum €30,000). Community projects, including sports facilities can access grants of up to €500,000 in some cases. Applications are made through your local LAG, a list of which is available at gov.ie/leader. Separately, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is the primary government programme for sports facility development. Your local LEO can also advise on applicable supports. 

 The National Enterprise Hub (NEH) is a free, all-of-government service operated by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Launched on 10 July 2024, it gives Irish businesses a single point of access to over 287 government supports from 30+ departments and agencies, including grants, loans, training and mentoring.Businesses can search by goal, sector, or business size, or speak directly with a trained advisor by phone on 01 727 2100 or via live chat on the website. The NEH does not make funding decisions, it guides businesses to the right agency and support. 

The NEH is open to all Irish businesses, from sole traders and pre-startup entrepreneurs to established SMEs. It is particularly useful for businesses that have never previously engaged with government supports and are not sure where to start. In its first year, the most active sectors were tourism and hospitality, retail, food and drink, health and beauty, professional services and construction, a deliberately broad traditional SME profile. For businesses with significant export ambition and scale, the NEH often acts as a gateway to Enterprise Ireland's direct client programmes. 

You can reach the NEH in three ways: online at neh.gov.ie (search and filter supports, or use live chat); by phone on 01 727 2100 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or via the live chat function on the website. All three channels are free to use. Trained advisors are available on phone and chat to help you identify the right supports and navigate the application process. The NEH does not make funding decisions, applications are made directly to the relevant agency.