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?
Start your business
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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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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
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 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 and 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.
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
A learning portal with over 150 courses and business development, career development and management training from industry experts.
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.
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.
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.
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
- You’re an Irish business that is not yet a client (however you may incur additional fees)
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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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
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
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.
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.
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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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 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
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
Wage Subsidy Scheme
Financial support for businesses that employ people with a disability
The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial incentives to private sector employers to employ people with a disability. The work offered must be for a minimum of 15 hours per week and the subsidy is available up to 39 hours per week
Businesses with recruitment needs.
You may be eligible if:
- You are registered as a business with the Revenue Commissioners and are tax compliant
- You can offer a minimum 6-month contract to the employee.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- 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 the banks
- Living in Ireland
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.