Taking your small business to the next level is exciting, but knowing how to start can be daunting. Here, you will find information on a range of supports to help with expansion – from entering new markets to hiring skilled staff and everything in between.
How can we help?
Expand your business
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Featured export supports
Entering new markets provides your business with new opportunities to grow and reach more customers.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help your business plan and prepare to expand into new markets.
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20 supports based on your selections
Get Exporting
Your export development pathway
Get Exporting is designed to support businesses at every stage of their journey to achieving new export sales. Through our Export Development Pathway, we aim to simplify the export journey and help you build the knowledge, confidence, and strategies needed to succeed in global markets.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Irish manufacturing and internationally traded services companies
- You have less than €10k in global export sales per annum over the last two years
- Commitment required from CEO and/or a member of the Senior Leadership Team
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
IDA Ireland International Marketing Programme
IDA support to expand into new markets.
IDA Ireland's International Marketing Programme (IMP) is a financial grant program designed to specifically support existing client companies in expanding to new international markets.
You may be eligible if:
You already have a partnership with IDA Ireland on other programs or initiatives.
IntertradeIreland Trade Hub
The InterTradeIreland Trade Hub supports existing and new SMEs with All Island Trade issues.
The Trade Hub has developed a comprehensive knowledge base which provides information on a variety of topics, including trade in goods and services. It focuses on the key areas of Customs, VAT, Regulation, and Employment.
It provides SMEs with tailored, fully funded, one-to-one consultancy support.
Eligibility Criteria
For those that require level 1 Telephone Consultation
- Any SME based on the island of Ireland
For those who require level 2 – Three Days fully funded 1 to 1 consultancy
- Located on the island of Ireland (North or South)
- Potential to trade across the border (Northern Ireland / Ireland)
- Employ fewer than 250 employees
- Have an annual turnover of less than €50m (or sterling equivalent)
- Have a satisfactory trading history
Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant (TAME)
Explore export opportunities
This support provides funding to assist businesses in exploring and developing export opportunities.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region
- You are engaged in manufacturing or internationally traded services
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Skillnet Innovation Exchange
Join an ecosystem of innovative companies to fast-track business solutions
Skillnet Innovation Exchange is a skills marketplace that connects large businesses facing innovation challenges to ambitious Irish SMEs with the talent that can fast-track solutions.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a scaling technology SME company that need an instant sales pipeline as well as access to key decision makers, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large corporates.
- You are a large company looking for access to Ireland’s most talented solutions providers and to collaborations that accelerate digital transformation.
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.
Strategic Marketing Review
Improve your sales and marketing plans.
This is a short, intensive programme for senior leaders. It allows you to gain support and training to identify business growth opportunities and build a clear marketing plan.
The Strategic Marketing Review is suited to 2 types of businesses - early stage clients who are limited with resources in sales and marketing, or companies that have resources, are exporting, and want to scale.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland client
- You need to address sales and marketing challenges in the short term
- You are an early stage business with revenues of €0.5m or less
- You are already exporting and want to scale
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.
Trade Fair Participation Scheme
Cover costs of first time participation in a trade fair
This scheme covers key expenses like travel and stand rental, helping you to grow your business in new markets.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
- Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Masterclass in Market Intelligence
Get market research training for business growth and informed decision-making
The course provides participants with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to conduct market research, identify potential opportunities and threats, and make informed decisions about product development, pricing, and marketing.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a senior leader at director level in a business
- Businesses that want to gain insights on competitors and markets.
Featured job creation supports
Access to the right skills and talent is crucial in the competitive business world.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help you hire new people and build a skilled team.
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17 supports based on your selections
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
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme(SICAP)
SICAP 2024-2028 Supporting the expansion of Social Enterprises to address collective community needs
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme provides direct financial support that can make a significant difference to people by giving them the financial assistance they need to put their business ideas into practice. SICAP supports the establishment and expansion of Social Enterprises to address collective community needs, including employing those who are most marginalised, which in turn can foster the establishment of local services where other enterprises may not be in a position to. From 2024, once-off Enterprise Start-up grants may assist an individual to set up a business.
SICAP supports a range of disadvantaged and marginalised groups in society who are unable or unlikely to access mainstream supports.
You might be eligible if:
- you are an individual who is starting a business
- you are a business operating using a social enterprise model whereby your enterprise generates non-public funding by charging for goods and services delivered
- To be eligible for support, SEs supported under SICAP must provide services to one or more of the 12 named target groups, including provision of employment/training opportunities, and/or focus on addressing one or more of the programme’s eight thematic focus areas.
The 12 Sicap target groups include:
- People living in disadvantaged communities
- People impacted by educational disadvantage
- People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious
- People who are long-term unemployed
- People with a criminal history
- Refugees
- International Protection Applicants
- Disabled People/People with Disabilities
- Heads of One-parent Families
- Travellers
- Roma
- Island residents
Local SEs should contact their nearest Programme Implementing (PI) organisation (available on the Pobal website) for further details and support.
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.
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.
HR & OD Community of Practice
Nurturing HR & OD excellence for scalable business growth.
The HR & OD CoP is a collaborative platform bringing together HR and OD leaders to share knowledge, address challenges, and drive innovation. Through interactive roundtables and peer learning groups, we foster a dynamic community focused on exploring and overcoming HR and OD challenges, exchanging best practices, and uncovering emerging trends and solutions.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland client company.
- Targeted towards HR Managers, HR Directors, Chief People Officers, who are responsible for leading the people function within their business
- Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
HPSU Founders Forum
Founders supporting founders to scale globally
The High Potential Start-up (HPSU) Founders Forum equips new and seasoned CEOs of startups with the tools to scale successfully. By fostering peer-to-peer learning and providing expert guidance, the program helps founders tackle challenges, refine their business plans, and prepare for growth. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and access to a supportive community, participants develop a robust scaling strategy and position themselves for long-term success.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up (HPSU) client
- Local Enterprise Office or Údarás Na Gaeltachta clients, trading internationally in manufacturing or an eligible services industry
- Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Tourism Careers
Develop a talent pool and gain access to new skills
Online guidance and resources to support businesses with the recruitment and retention of staff and building a positive and inclusive Employer brand, while contributing to the reputation of tourism & hospitality as a rewarding career of choice.
Businesses with recruitment needs that are interested in attracting and retaining the best employees.
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 etc)
- a restaurant or cafe
- an activity providers (including tours, attractions, adventure activities)
- a tourism-related business (transport, retail, cultural experience, festival)
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Talent Programmes
Supporting professional growth in the Irish food and drink industry
The Bord Bia Talent Academy trains graduates in the Irish food and drink industry by offering educational programs that combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
Food and drink businesses with an export presence and/or Research and Development division.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a Bord Bia client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions
GradStart- Udaras
Develop a talent pool and gain access to new skills
GradStart provides financial support for businesses to compete for and hire graduate talent. The support covers the cost of taking in graduate talent on a two-year placement basis, to improve the skills base within your business.
Businesses that want to develop their talent pool and gain access to new skills.
You may be eligible if:
- You’re an Údarás na Gaeltachta client
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Key Manager Support - Udaras
Attract and hire key people with the right skills
A business is nothing without good people. With this key manager grant, you can get help with the salary cost of a ‘Key Manager’ – someone whose skills are needed for the success of your business. Examples of Key Manager positions are Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Research & Development Manager, etc.
Businesses seeking to hire the best leaders or fill a talent gap.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client
- You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business
- You have been trading for at least 2 years
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
Featured expansion supports
Grow your business by hiring more people, adding additional equipment or investing in new facilities.
Here are some of the most popular supports to help your business expand.
Filter & Sort
Filter & Sort
Type of support
Business size
Support agency
Industry
36 supports based on your selections
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme(SICAP)
SICAP 2024-2028 Supporting the expansion of Social Enterprises to address collective community needs
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme provides direct financial support that can make a significant difference to people by giving them the financial assistance they need to put their business ideas into practice. SICAP supports the establishment and expansion of Social Enterprises to address collective community needs, including employing those who are most marginalised, which in turn can foster the establishment of local services where other enterprises may not be in a position to. From 2024, once-off Enterprise Start-up grants may assist an individual to set up a business.
SICAP supports a range of disadvantaged and marginalised groups in society who are unable or unlikely to access mainstream supports.
You might be eligible if:
- you are an individual who is starting a business
- you are a business operating using a social enterprise model whereby your enterprise generates non-public funding by charging for goods and services delivered
- To be eligible for support, SEs supported under SICAP must provide services to one or more of the 12 named target groups, including provision of employment/training opportunities, and/or focus on addressing one or more of the programme’s eight thematic focus areas.
The 12 Sicap target groups include:
- People living in disadvantaged communities
- People impacted by educational disadvantage
- People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious
- People who are long-term unemployed
- People with a criminal history
- Refugees
- International Protection Applicants
- Disabled People/People with Disabilities
- Heads of One-parent Families
- Travellers
- Roma
- Island residents
Local SEs should contact their nearest Programme Implementing (PI) organisation (available on the Pobal website) for further details and support.
Market Access Export Information Portal
Support to export agrifood products and live exports
This portal brings together information on the full range of open international markets and products, and the relevant certification conditions, in a user-friendly format for exporters
You may be eligible if:
You are an exporter/ business operator looking to export agrifood products and live exports.
Collaborative Farming Grant
Support to address generational imbalances in farming
Scheme specifically aimed at encouraging best practice in intergenerational land transfer in order to address, among other things, significant generational imbalances in farming.
You may be eligible if:
You are a farmer aged 60 or above that have a minimum of 3 hectare’s and 2 years’ experience farming
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
MentorsWork
Tailored support to help your business succeed
MentorsWork is a targeted business support programme focused on SMEs that provides training to owner-managers on how to increase and maintain their businesses competitiveness through strong leadership skills.
You may be eligible if:
- You are a private sector business based in Ireland with between 1 and 250 employees
SEIS & EIS
Raise money and grow your business
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) helps smaller, higher-risk trading companies raise finance by offering tax relief to investors who buy new shares.
A company seeking finance via the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) or EIS will need to obtain advance assurance from HMRC that the company, its trade and its shares qualify. This
will give potential investors comfort that the company should qualify for SEIS/EIS relief.
You might be eligible if:
- You’re a limited company registered
- You have been trading for up to 7 years
- You’re in a qualifying trade
- You’re planning to spend the investment on a qualifying trade
(Non-UK companies can avail of the SEIS and EIS schemes if they meet the criteria set out by HMRC to qualify and importantly have a permanent establishment in the UK.)
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.
Strategic Consultancy Assignment
Hire a consultant to develop and roll out strategic initiatives
It's important to prepare your business for difficult times. A strategy consultant can help you plan for change, helping you to overcome challenges and discover new opportunities for your business.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland client
- Small and Medium Established Clients (greater than 10 full-time employees)
- Large companies are eligible for strategic consultancy assistance for environmental studies
Leasing and Hire Purchase
Get flexible funding for vehicles and machinery
Flexible funding schemes, like hire purchase agreements, allow you to own the asset at the end of the contract. While a finance lease allows you to rent the asset for as long as you need it, then return it.
You might be eligible if:
- You are a small to medium business
Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.
HR & OD Community of Practice
Nurturing HR & OD excellence for scalable business growth.
The HR & OD CoP is a collaborative platform bringing together HR and OD leaders to share knowledge, address challenges, and drive innovation. Through interactive roundtables and peer learning groups, we foster a dynamic community focused on exploring and overcoming HR and OD challenges, exchanging best practices, and uncovering emerging trends and solutions.
You may be eligible if:
- You are an Enterprise Ireland client company.
- Targeted towards HR Managers, HR Directors, Chief People Officers, who are responsible for leading the people function within their business
- 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.