For many Irish businesses, growth means looking beyond our borders. Exporting opens up new markets, brings in fresh revenue streams, and builds resilience.  

But for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), taking that first step into international trade can feel daunting. The good news is that there are supports designed to guide you through every stage of the journey, from market research to international marketing.   

For Miriam Cushen, growing up in the family business meant attending trade shows and visiting different woollen mills with her father from a young age. Now, as the sixth generation to run Cushendale, she continues that legacy, building on it with vital export supports. 

 “Around 70% of our business is export now,” says Miriam. “It's a completely new book of clients that we’ve been able to secure, most of those through supports to attend international trade shows.” 

One key support Cushendale accessed was the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) grant. This provides up to €2,500 towards export research and marketing including exhibiting at trade fairs, creating marketing material, or developing websites specifically targeting overseas markets. For SMEs starting explorations abroad, it can be the catalyst to open new doors. 

Another Irish SME that has benefited from targeted export support is Nutty Delights, Ireland’s first and only nuts and dried fruit retailer. Founded by husband-and-wife team Nikunj and Vaishali Mehta in 2016, the business began as a healthy pick-and-mix stall in George’s Street Arcade but soon expanded.  

“We had a lot of mentorship in the early days,” says Nikunj. “But it was the Get Exporting programme that was a real game changer. In 2023, exports accounted for 1% of total revenue. In 2024 that jumped to 10% and it’s growing. The route to market was shown to us — how to go to the UK and develop that market. From there, now we’re going beyond.” 

Get Exporting is an export development pathway that simplifies the export journey and helps Irish SMEs build the knowledge, confidence, and strategies needed to succeed in global markets. 

It includes one-to-one mentoring, a tailored export plan, peer learning opportunities and early in-market exposure to buyers, channels, and distributors. 

For businesses that are considering exporting, or have already dipped their toes, InterTradeIreland’s Trade Export Growth Pathway offers the next step. The pathway is designed to support SMEs in expanding into new cross-border and international markets, with expert mentoring, strategy development, and funding to help accelerate growth. 

If you’re a food and drink company, Bord Bia’s Market Study Visits gives you the chance to explore international markets first-hand. These visits help SMEs connect with local experts, understand consumer trends, and attend trade shows, providing essential insights for businesses considering export. 

For Spoonful Botanical, a natural food product designed for joint support, such connections were pivotal. Through the New Frontiers programme, co-founder Conor Grimes was introduced to a Bord Bia contact who later became a key ingredient supplier. The company also tapped into Teagasc’s research expertise and secured a Business Expansion Grant, which supported its entry into the UK market. 

“We use Teagasc a lot for research, which is an incredible support to have,” says Conor. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there’s loads out there, from different grants to training. It’s hard starting out, but there are supports to help.”