Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland
Here is how Enterprise Ireland budget is spent
26M
7%
48M
12%
51M
12%
309M
69%
Million € for 2022 -2023
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government trade and innovation agency. Their mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies and help them achieve leading positions in global markets. They support Irish businesses of all sizes by fostering entrepreneurship, increasing innovation levels, enhancing leadership development, improving competitiveness, and transforming the sustainability performance of Irish enterprises. They have a network of 39 offices worldwide and work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets.
Funding Supports
Enterprise Ireland provides funding support based on a company’s stage of business. These are 1) Business in Concept 2) High Potential Start Up 3) Established SME and 4) Large Company Funding. Each business will be assessed on its own merit with grant funding awarded based on a predetermined criterion of qualification. Funding supports include PSSF (Pre Seed-Start Fund), HPSU (High Potential Start Up) and Agile Innovation)
Pillars of Assessment
Enterprise Irelands company assessment is based around 6 Pillars of business capability. These pillars are 1) Finance 2) People and Management 3) Sales and Marketing 4) Strategy 5) Innovation and 6) Operations. Each of these pillar measurements are diligently scrutinised to examine the businesses’ ability to impact job creation, assess innovation and look at the export potential of the business.
Applications Submitted
%
Grant approval success
%
Client retention
Discover Enterprise Ireland Grants
Pre Seed Start Fund (Equity)
HPSU Feasibility Grant
Innovation
Voucher
IHPSU
(Equity)
Market Discovery Fund
Evolve Strategic Planning Grant
Market Growth & Diversification Grant
Digital Marketing Capability
Exploring Innovation Grant
Agile Innovation Fund
R,D and
I Fund
Digital Process Innovation
IP Start
Grant
IP Plus
Grant
Innovation Partnership Programme
Strategic Consultancy Grant
Key Manager Grant
Operational Excellence Offer
Climate Action Voucher
Green
Start
Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund
Capital Investment for Energy Monitoring and Tracking
Capital Investment for Decabonisation Processes
Lean
Start
Lean
Plus
Lean
Transform
Capital Investment Inititive
Grad Start
Green Plus
Job Expansion Fund
Taillored Company Expansion
Our Services
Prepare
- Document Bank Creation
- Market Research
- Business Plans
- Feasibility Studies
- Consortium Building
Fund
- Audit and Scope
- Grant Applications
- Application Mapping
- Strategic Grant Advice
- Review and Resubmission
Prepare
- Finance and Compliance
- Drawdown Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HPSU feasibility study grant?
This grant helps High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) check if their business idea can work in the market. This pays up to 50% of costs, with a limit of €30,000, for things like market research or building a prototype.
The goal is to lower risks and prepare companies for bigger funding.
Key details:
- Covers customer interviews, IP checks, and trial runs.
- Best used soon after Enterprise Ireland approves HPSU status.
- Applications go through your assigned advisor, with answers in 4-6 weeks.
Who can apply for Enterprise Ireland grants?
You need an Irish-based business with fresh ideas and plans to sell abroad. Startups often qualify for HPSU or early-stage aid, while growing firms go for expansion grants.
Enterprise Ireland scores applications based on jobs created and sales potential.
Basic rules:
- Company registered in Ireland, usually trading less than 10 years.
- At least 10 jobs or €1 million in exports for HPSU.
- No retail, property, or basic services.
Can UK businesses get Enterprise Ireland grants?
Enterprise Ireland mainly funds Irish companies, so UK firms can’t apply directly after Brexit. UK searchers for “enterprise grants UK” might look at Innovate UK instead.
Shared EU programs like Horizon Europe offer some joint chances.
Quick facts:
- Need an Irish base for main grants.
- UK options include Smart Grants or tax breaks like SEIS.
- Check InterTradeIreland for Northern Ireland links.
What does an Enterprise Support Grant cover?
An Enterprise Support Grant usually refers to funding provided through Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), which work closely with Enterprise Ireland. These grants can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with funding of up to €50,000, depending on the scheme and the type of business support needed. They are designed to help businesses with research, growth planning, and digital development.
Enterprise support grants are ideal for early-stage activities, such as testing new markets, developing ideas, or getting professional support.
Typical examples include:
- Feasibility studies of up to €15,000
- Staff training or the purchase of equipment
Website development and projects to improve online sales and digital presence
How does CAPIQAL help with applications?
CAPIQAL simplifies the grant application process by providing eligibility checks, professional application writing, and full follow-up support for grants such as HPSU and innovation funding. They strengthen your application by building a solid business case backed by real data and financial projections, significantly improving your chances of success.
This saves busy business owners time, effort, and stress.
Simple steps to get started:
- Take their free online assessment quiz
- Receive a custom funding plan with clear financial figures
- CAPIQAL manages the audit and compliance process after funding is awarded