Empowering Entrepreneurship and Growth
Starting a new business can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to securing the necessary funding. Fortunately, Ireland offers a range of grants and supports specifically designed to assist start-up businesses in various sectors. Several years in a row, it has been voted the best country in Europe to start a business, based primarily on grants and resources available.
We will explore the available start-up business grants in Ireland, highlighting the criteria and opportunities they provide for budding entrepreneurs. From funding for feasibility studies and innovation to support for website development and market expansion, these grants play a crucial role in nurturing entrepreneurship and driving economic growth. Some of these opportunities are discussed below. There are literally 100s of grants available. These can also be industry or location specific.
Its also important to remember that a start up, can apply to a company that has been in existence for a number of years. Its a process rather than a time frame. Understanding this will better help your frame your route through the various grants.
Start up Business Grants Ireland
- Competitive Start Fund (CSF):
Administered by Enterprise Ireland, the CSF is targeted at early-stage start-ups with high growth potential. It provides funding of up to €50,000, as well as mentorship and other support, to help accelerate business development. The CSF is offered in specific sectors and themes, and applicants are selected through a competitive process.
- New Frontiers Programme:
Delivered by Enterprise Ireland and the Institutes of Technology, the New Frontiers Programme is an intensive accelerator program designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs. It offers financial assistance, training, mentoring, and access to workspace facilities. This enables participants to refine their business ideas, develop prototypes, and validate their market potential.
- Competitive Feasibility Fund (CFF):
The CFF supports entrepreneurs in assessing the viability of innovative business ideas. It provides funding of up to €50,000 to cover eligible expenses, such as market research, prototype development, and intellectual property protection. The CFF is available to both individuals and small teams with innovative business proposals. The grant enables the companies to research and test its idea through feasibility studies to inform better business decisions.
There is also a feasibility fund offered bye LEO, which works in a similar fashion and is excellent for start up businesses.
- Innovation Vouchers:
Innovation Vouchers, also administered by Enterprise Ireland, encourage collaboration between small businesses and knowledge providers. They provide funding of up to €5,000,. This allows start-ups to access expertise, research capabilities, and technical knowledge from universities, colleges, and research organizations. The vouchers aim to foster innovation within businesses and facilitate the development of new products, processes, or services. Whats more is that this grant can be obtained three different times
- Trading Online Voucher (TOV):
The Trading Online Voucher is a grant administered by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Ireland. It supports businesses in developing or enhancing their online presence. The grant offers funding of up to €2,500 (50% of eligible costs) to cover website development, digital marketing, e-commerce functionality, and training. It helps start-ups establish a strong online foundation and reach a wider customer base.
This grant can be obtained two different times. Read more about the Trading Online Voucher Criteria.
How WeOptimise Solves Your Challenge
Our team has extensive experience in start-ups and in particular funding start ups. We’ve been through it all from LEO to EI to Angle Funding to VC funding. As part of our digital strategy, our team will review your current digital needs and utilise a range of grants within your digital strategy. The financial planning or financial journey of a startup business is crucial, often finance or cash flow is a key concern of early stage business. Correctly using grants in a logical sequential way can dramatically help fund your business.
Some of the services we offer that can fit into the above grants include
Digital Marketing Strategy Website Design SEO Content Creation Paid Adverts Branding
The availability of start-up business grants in Ireland offers aspiring entrepreneurs a significant advantage in their journey toward building successful businesses. These grants provide crucial funding, mentorship, and support to facilitate growth, innovation, and job creation. From the Competitive Start Fund and New Frontiers Programme to the Competitive Feasibility Fund, Innovation Vouchers, and the Trading Online Voucher, the diverse range of grants caters to different stages of the start-up lifecycle, feasibility studies, innovation, and website development.
By taking advantage of these grants, start-ups can access the resources needed to develop their ideas, validate market opportunities, establish a strong online presence, and establish a solid foundation for long-term success. It is essential for entrepreneurs to thoroughly review the criteria and requirements for each grant. You should also stay updated on the availability of grants through relevant government agencies, organizations, and Local Enterprise Offices. With the support of these grants, start-ups in Ireland can thrive, contribute to the economy, and drive innovation in their respective industries.
Our team helps your prepare a financial roadmap for utilisation of various vouchers and website grants in Ireland. Learn more about our Digital Strategy Service option and build your financial roadmap.