Whether you're testing an idea, building your first product, or raising investment, funding is likely one of your biggest questions. The good news? There’s a range of government support available at every stage.  

“The first thing to remember,” says business mentor and active angel and venture investor, Barry Brennan, “is that funding isn’t always just about cash. Programmes like New Frontiers and Local Enterprise Office offer structure, skills, and a startup community. Use this kind of support to build confidence and momentum, then more funding-specific conversations will start to click”. 

Before you attract funding to your business, you’ll need to have tested your idea. Early-stage supports like the HPSU Feasibility Study Grant help you validate the opportunity and sharpen your thinking. It can cover things like early hiring, market validation, and technical research. We can guide you through the application - just call the National Enterprise Hub team. 

You can also get up to €5,000 to collaborate with a research institution and solve a technical or business challenge. “Too many founders skip early-stage validation and jump straight to pitching for cash. You need to be a student of your business model first and speak to lots of potential customers. These provide the best validation.” says Brennan. 

If you’re thinking about expanding, the Market Discovery Fund can help you assess export opportunities in new markets. It can be used to cover a wide range of expenses including salaries and overheads, overseas travel and rental of office space. 

With a strong plan, you’re better prepared for funding applications, investor meetings, and real-world growth. Free expert mentoring through your Local Enterprise Office is a great first stop. They’ll give you free expert mentorship around modelling, pricing, sales, and more. 

“Some people think state support is bureaucratic or hard to access. That’s a myth,” says Brennan. “There might be a few forms to fill in but it’s worth the investment of time. They’re actually one of the best ways to sharpen your thinking and your business model early on. And having a partner like Enterprise Ireland onboard makes a real difference, not only in the short term but also in the long term.” 

Once you’ve tested and interrogated your business idea, and begun to build a support network, it’s all about funding to scale to the next stage. You’ve built something and customers are responding, the Pre-Seed Start Fund that provides up to €100,000, can help you build your team, win more customers, and prepare for bigger ‘seed’ funding. 

Microfinance Ireland’s start-up loans are another avenue to explore, with up to €50,000 for early-stage businesses and mentoring included. While the Pre-Seed Start Fund is equity-based and geared toward high-growth startups, these loans offer a more accessible, low-risk option for early-stage founders who aren’t ready to give away equity.

Being investor-ready means more than having a pitch deck. You need a financial model, key metrics, and a clear capital plan. Common pitfalls to watch out for include: 

Waiting too long to ask for help: You don’t have to be “ready” to apply. Early guidance can save months of trial and error. You don’t need to know everything. That’s why mentors, state programmes, and peer networks exist,” says Brennan. 

Skipping validation: Don’t assume things, prove things. Start with feasibility grants and innovation supports designed to test your idea. Get used to describing and pitching your idea to other people, hone your technique with practice. 

Overlooking non-financial support: Things like peer-to-peer groups and sector-specific workshops can give you a good understanding of real-world startup challenges, from hiring to compliance and product strategy. 

Browse our startup supports, or contact the NEH Hub team today on (01) 727 2100. We’ll help you find the right fit.