In the business world that is changing rapidly, success is not only a matter of a good product or service. It is a matter of having the right people with the right skills.
To keep up with the changing technology and the increasing competition in the market Irish businesses need to make constant investments in training to be and stay relevant and strong.
This is where Enterprise Ireland Training Funding Support plays a vital role. Designed to help businesses of all sizes develop skills, improve capabilities, and adopt new ways of working, these supports empower companies to grow stronger from the inside out.
At CAPIQAL, we help businesses understand these training grants and access them smoothly, with clear guidance at every stage.
What Is Enterprise Ireland Training Funding Support?
Enterprise Ireland presents a variety of training and capability development supports that are meant to help Irish companies in developing their human resources and consequently becoming more competitive. Among the areas in which the supports will be available are the productivity of the workforce, digital proficiency, leadership development, and innovation readiness.
Training Funding Support is not a one-time grant; rather it consists of several schemes, each tailored to various company needs, ranging from early stage startups to large enterprises that are ready for digital transformation or have set sustainability targets..
What Is the Training Funding Support Used For?
The main purpose of this funding is to help businesses invest in people. Enterprise Ireland recognises that a skilled workforce is essential for long-term growth, productivity, and global competitiveness.
Training Funding Support can help businesses:
- Upskill employees with new technical or digital skills
- Develop leadership and management capabilities
- Prepare teams for international growth
- Improve productivity and operational efficiency
- Adopt new digital tools and technologies
- Strengthen online and eCommerce capabilities
- Support innovation and change management
By funding structured training and development programmes, Enterprise Ireland helps businesses future-proof their operations.
Key Training and Capability Support Schemes
Enterprise Ireland offers several training-related supports. Some of the most relevant include:
1. Company Development Training Grant
This grant supports businesses that want to invest in capability development through structured training programmes. It can be used for:
- Management and leadership training
- Operational and productivity training
- Technical and sector-specific skills development
This support is ideal for SMEs looking to strengthen internal capabilities and improve overall performance.
2. Support for Start-ups
Innovative start-ups with international growth ambition can access training support to build skills early in their journey. This may include:
- Leadership and scaling skills
- Market readiness and export preparation
- Innovation and product development training
Early investment in skills helps start-ups grow faster and more sustainably.
3. Support for Large Companies
Enterprise Ireland also supports large companies through:
- Strategic advice and training guidance
- Access to national and international networks
- Representation and a strong voice at government level
- Capital investment support for decarbonisation and sustainability
Training here often focuses on transformation, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
4. Digital Discovery Grant
The Digital Discovery Grant supports companies that want to explore and adopt new digital technologies. While not a training grant alone, it often includes training elements related to:
- Digital systems assessment
- Technology readiness
- Process automation
- Digital strategy development
It is ideal for businesses at the early stages of digital transformation.
5. Online Retail Scheme
For retail businesses, the Online Retail Scheme supports training and capability development linked to:
- eCommerce systems
- Online customer experience
- Digital marketing and sales processes
- Technology upgrades for online trading
This scheme helps businesses compete more effectively in the digital marketplace.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Funding amounts vary depending on:
- The specific support scheme
- Business size and stage
- Type of training or capability development
- Overall project scope
Enterprise Ireland typically applies a customised approach rather than a universal one. Nevertheless, financial assistance is specifically designed for the particular requirements and objectives of every enterprise. A few programs provide finance for a portion of the costs and others offer a combination of funding, advisory, and networking support.
The priority is always on the long-term effects on the business, not just short-term training activity.
Who Can Apply for Training Funding Support?
Training Funding Support is available to businesses of all sizes, including:
- Early-stage start-ups
- Growing SMEs
- Established and large enterprises
- Businesses preparing for digital or international expansion
Enterprise Ireland works across multiple sectors, ensuring that training support reaches companies with strong growth and innovation potential.
What to Expect When Working with Enterprise Ireland Through CAPIQAL
Navigating training grants can feel complex, especially when managing day-to-day operations. That is where CAPIQAL comes in.
Step 1: Training and Capability Assessment
We start by understanding your business goals, skills gaps, and future plans. This helps identify the most suitable training support scheme.
Step 2: Application Strategy and Preparation
Our team supports you with:
- Selecting the right funding programme
- Preparing training plans and justifications
- Completing application documentation clearly and correctly
We ensure your application aligns with Enterprise Ireland’s expectations.
Step 3: Post-Approval Support
Once funding is approved, we continue to assist with:
- Correct use of funds
- Compliance and reporting
- Positioning your business for future supports
Our goal is to help you maximise the long-term value of training investment.
Why Training Funding Matters for Business Growth
Investing in training delivers benefits beyond skills alone. Businesses that actively develop their teams often experience:
- Higher productivity
- Better employee retention
- Stronger leadership and decision-making
- Faster adoption of new technologies
- Improved competitiveness in global markets
Enterprise Ireland’s training supports are designed to create lasting business value, not just short-term learning outcomes.
Why Choose CAPIQAL?
CAPIQAL works with businesses across Ireland, the UK, and Europe to access grant funding successfully.
- €490M+ in grant funding secured
- 78% grant approval success rate
- 91% client retention
- Strong experience with start-ups, SMEs, and large enterprises
We offer an end-to-end service from strategy and eligibility checks to application management and post-approval guidance.
In Summary
- Enterprise Ireland provides training funding support to help businesses build skills and capabilities
- Supports are available for start-ups, SMEs, and large companies
- Funding helps with leadership training, digital skills, innovation, and productivity
- Multiple schemes exist, including Company Development Training Grant and Digital Discovery Grant
- CAPIQAL provides expert guidance throughout the process
Take the Next Step Towards a Skilled and Competitive Business
Your people are your strongest asset. With Enterprise Ireland’s Training Funding Support and our expert guidance, you can build a skilled, confident workforce ready for future challenges.
Get Started Today
Contact CAPIQAL to explore which Enterprise Ireland training grants suit your business best.
We will help you plan, apply, and succeed turning training into real growth and long-term success.
FAQs
1. What exactly can I use Enterprise Ireland training funding for?
Enterprise Ireland training funding is applicable to various business activities mainly related to the development of the workforce such as leadership, digital training, and capability building. The funding also covers structured courses, workshops, and different kinds of training that enhance the competitiveness of the firms through the adoption of new digital tools or management skills strengthening.
2. Who is eligible for Enterprise Ireland training support?
The support is applicable to diverse Irish companies, from new businesses with capacity for international growth to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations that want to invest in employee skills and improve their competitiveness. Training supports are customized according to the size and needs of your business, thus, the majority of the sectors that are growth-driven can apply.
3. How much funding can I receive for training?
The amount varies depending on the programme and your business needs. Many Enterprise Ireland training grants work on a cost-sharing basis, where the agency funds part of the training expense. The exact funding rate depends on factors like project size, training type, and eligibility.
4. Do I need to match the funding or contribute my own investment?
Yes. Most Enterprise Ireland training supports require co-investment from your business meaning you share the cost of training alongside the funding provided. This ensures you are fully committed and helps maximise the impact on your workforce development goals.
5. How do I apply for training funding and what is the process?
To apply, you first identify the right training programme for your business goals. You then prepare an application outlining your training plan and expected outcomes. Enterprise Ireland reviews your proposal and if approved, provides guidance through the application and funding claim process. The agency also offers ongoing support to help ensure the training makes a real business impact.
