Ireland offers a wide range of business grants designed to help start-ups, small enterprises, and growing companies reach their full potential. Whether you’re running a café, a manufacturing business, or a digital agency in Dublin, there are numerous funding options available to help your business grow, hire staff, and expand into new markets.
Government grants are particularly attractive because, unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid when used for their intended purpose. Many of these supports focus on job creation, export development, and innovation—helping Irish businesses stay competitive both locally and internationally.
Government and Local Enterprise Grants in Ireland
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first point of contact for many entrepreneurs seeking financial support. These offices assist micro-enterprises—businesses with ten or fewer employees—and provide a range of grants, mentoring, and training programmes to encourage growth and sustainability.
To apply for a grant, businesses must demonstrate that the funding will lead to measurable results such as employment growth, improved competitiveness, or enhanced innovation. Applications are submitted online and reviewed by a local evaluation committee. It’s essential to note that expenses incurred before approval cannot be funded, so entrepreneurs should secure approval before beginning any new project.
The Priming Grant
For businesses in their first 18 months of trading, the Priming Grant is one of the most popular supports. It helps start-ups cover early operational costs such as purchasing equipment, marketing, or renting workspace. The maximum funding is typically up to €80,000, with exceptional cases—especially those with export potential—eligible for up to €150,000.
The Priming Grant is ideal for early-stage enterprises that need a financial foundation to get off the ground and prepare for long-term success.
The Business Expansion Grant
Once a business has moved past the start-up stage, it may qualify for the Business Expansion Grant. This grant supports companies that have been trading for more than 18 months and are entering a growth phase. It’s available to businesses employing ten or fewer people, including limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders.
Funding is capped at 50% of eligible costs or €150,000, whichever is lower, and can be used for capital investments, salaries, consultancy, or marketing. Businesses that previously received a Priming Grant must wait at least 12 months after approval before applying.
This grant aims to help companies expand their operations, increase staff numbers, and develop their markets both domestically and abroad.
The Feasibility Study Grant
The Feasibility Study Grant is designed to help businesses explore the potential of new ideas before committing major resources. It covers the cost of market research, prototype development, and testing the commercial viability of new products or services.
This funding is particularly valuable for innovative businesses seeking to understand their target market before launching or investing heavily in product development.
Enterprise Ireland Funding Programmes
For companies with high growth potential or export ambitions, Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of funding opportunities. These include supports for innovation, sustainability, and international expansion.
Among its most well-known initiatives is the High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Fund, which helps companies capable of creating at least ten jobs and generating €1 million in sales within three years. The Agile Innovation Fund offers fast-track funding for short research and development projects, while the Pre-Seed Start Fund provides early-stage equity investment to help start-ups develop prototypes and attract investors.
Enterprise Ireland is also strongly committed to supporting female entrepreneurship. In recent years, nearly a third of Enterprise Ireland-funded start-ups have been led by women. Initiatives such as Going for Growth, NextWave, and ACORNS provide mentorship, networking, and funding support for female founders across Ireland.
Social Welfare Support for Entrepreneurs
The Irish government recognises that financial stability is crucial when transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) allows individuals receiving social welfare payments to start a business while retaining a portion of their benefits for up to two years.
This support reduces the financial risk associated with starting a business and helps more people take the first step toward self-employment.
Energy Efficiency Grant
Sustainability is a key focus of Ireland’s enterprise policy. The Energy Efficiency Grant, managed through Local Enterprise Offices, helps small businesses invest in eco-friendly upgrades such as LED lighting, insulation, or heat recovery systems.
To qualify, businesses must be trading for at least six months and have an annual turnover exceeding €30,000. The grant covers 50% of eligible costs, with awards ranging from €1,000 to €5,000.
This grant not only reduces environmental impact but also helps businesses save money on energy costs over time.
Microfinance Ireland Loans
When traditional bank financing isn’t available, Microfinance Ireland (MFI) provides accessible loans to small businesses. These loans range from €2,000 to €25,000, or up to €50,000 for cashflow loans, and are available to both start-ups and established businesses.
The typical loan term is three years, with a standard interest rate of 6.5%—often reduced through a Local Enterprise Office referral. Decisions are usually made within ten working days once documentation is complete, providing quick access to capital for urgent business needs.
Navigating the Grant Application Process
Applying for business grants in Ireland requires preparation and attention to detail. Before applying, it’s advisable to meet with your Local Enterprise Office advisor to confirm eligibility and ensure your business plan is realistic and well-presented. Financial projections, clear goals, and a strong justification for funding are essential.
After submission, applications go through review by an evaluation committee. Applicants can request feedback on unsuccessful applications and often reapply once improvements have been made. Persistence, preparation, and professional advice can greatly improve your chances of securing support.
Where to Find Business Grant Information
Comprehensive information about grants and funding supports is available through:
- The Local Enterprise Office network
- Enterprise Ireland
- The National Enterprise Hub
Ireland’s Supporting SMEs portal also provides a complete database of over 180 supports across 19 government departments, making it easy to identify which programmes are right for your business.
Ireland’s comprehensive grant system helps start-ups innovate, grow, and compete internationally.
From Local Enterprise Office funding to Enterprise Ireland programmes, Irish entrepreneurs have access to an extensive range of supports. Whether you’re scaling exports, hiring your first team, or expanding a digital agency in Dublin, these grants and schemes can help turn your business ambitions into reality.