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Supporting businesses to start, scale and innovate

We provide a range of tailored supports for enterprise of all sizes in Ireland. Supports include access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion.

Start-ups

Funding and support are critical issues for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland in particular provide companies of all sizes with a flexible and proactive support model, responding to their growth and development needs. Find out more about what supports are available for you.

Digitalisation

Digital technologies have the power to transform small businesses, opening up new opportunities that were previously only available to businesses of scale. Supports help companies at all stages of their digital journey – from the early days of simply going online, to digitalisation of products and business processes, to facilitating exporting, and to using digital technologies to develop new markets and business models. Click here for further information.

Climate and Energy

SMEs are reducing their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for a better future. From the products purchased, to the energy used, there are many ways to make a difference. The Toolkit provides practical, cost-effective actions that every business can take to transform and build resilience. Complete the survey to see what climate supports are available for your business.

Access to Finance

SMEs are supplied with credit through State-backed loan schemes and equity investment schemes. The operations of existing schemes are also reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that appropriate options to finance remain available to SMEs not only during times of economic disruption, but to also address market failures. Click here for more information.

Exporting

The Department is dedicated to expanding the current exporter base and accelerating the market diversification of existing exporters. There are supports in place for first-time exporters and those who want to grow their overseas markets. Click here or more information.

Scaling

There are various programmes available to accelerate the sustainable growth of SMEs to develop enterprises of scale. This includes the development of leadership, management and financial capability, providing pathways to new sources of funding, and assisting enterprises in realising opportunities overseas. Click here for more information.

Find the right supports for your business

Business Guides

Prompt Payment Code

The Prompt Payment Code is an initiative developed by businesses for businesses. Its aim is to improving cashflow between businesses and moving towards a culture of providing “payment certainty”. Find out more about the Prompt Payment Code and how you can become a signatory.

Sell to Government

The Office of Government Procurement is responsible for sourcing common goods and services for the public sector and plays a key role in helping the State to save money. They work closely with the business community to promote procurement opportunities for SMEs. Find out more about how you can sell to Government.

Better Regulation

Better Regulation is a government approach to improving the quality of the legislative process. The goal is to ensure that policy is evidence-based through stakeholder consultation and impact analysis. It would only be implemented when necessary and with the intended effects. Additionally, existing regulation is examined to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs.

EU SME News

Keep up to date with all of the latest policies from the European Union affecting SMEs.

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