Enterprise Ireland Explained for Startups

Your Guide to Government Support for Irish Entrepreneurs

If you’re a startup founder in Ireland—or thinking about starting a company in Ireland—Enterprise Ireland (EI) should be high on your radar. As the government agency responsible for supporting Irish businesses in global markets, Enterprise Ireland plays a crucial role in helping startups grow, scale, and succeed.

In this blog post, we’ll break down who they are, what they do, and—most importantly—the kinds of funding and support available to startups through EI.

Who Is Enterprise Ireland?

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Its mission is to support Irish companies to start, innovate, scale, and export. EI works with businesses at all stages—from pre-startup to global enterprise—but it has several specific programmes designed to help early-stage startups get off the ground. This article takes you through Enterprise Ireland Explained for Startups.

Startup Funding from Enterprise Ireland

EI offers a variety of funding streams, but here are the key ones tailored specifically to startups and early-stage ventures:

1. The Pre-Seed Start Fund

  • Funding: Up to €100,000 in equity investment.

  • Purpose: To help early-stage founders validate their business idea and develop a minimum viable product (MVP).

  • Who it’s for: Startups with global ambition, a strong founder team, and innovative products or services.

  • Extras: It includes structured support via the New Frontiers programme (see below).

2. High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Funding

  • Funding: Typically starts at €100,000 for a 10% equity stake; larger funding rounds are possible.

  • Purpose: To support startups with the potential to grow quickly and employ 10+ people within 3–4 years.

  • Who it’s for: Innovative, export-oriented businesses with high growth potential and scalable business models.

  • Extras: Access to mentoring, development advisers, investor introductions, and global market research.

3. Innovative Startups and Commercialisation Support

For businesses spun out of third-level institutions or those heavily based on research and innovation:

  • Commercialisation Fund: Helps research teams commercialise technologies developed through academic institutions.

  • Innovation Vouchers: Worth €5,000, these can be used to collaborate with knowledge providers (like universities) on innovative product or process development.

Non-Financial Support for Startups

Enterprise Ireland offers much more than just funding. Their support ecosystem is designed to give startups every possible advantage in their critical early years.

1. New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme

  • A national programme delivered through Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities.

  • Offers a structured approach to starting a business, with expert-led training, workshops, and access to co-working space.

  • Phase 2 participants may receive a stipend of €15,000.

2. Mentoring and Advisory Services

  • EI assigns a Development Adviser to funded startups to help guide strategic decisions.

  • Access to mentors, market advisors, and sector specialists with real-world experience.

3. Market Expansion and Export Support

  • Enterprise Ireland has a global network of offices that can help Irish startups enter new markets, find distributors, and establish a global footprint.

  • Support with trade missions, networking, and grant funding for market research and internationalisation.

How to Apply

Startups interested in EI support should:

  • Visit www.enterprise-ireland.com

  • Explore relevant programmes

  • Contact their local Enterprise Ireland office

  • Consider reaching out to a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) for micro-enterprise support and early-stage guidance (especially for companies not yet ready for HPSU-level funding)

For Irish startups, Enterprise Ireland is not just a funding body—it’s a strategic partner. Whether you’re validating a business idea, building your team, entering a global market, or raising your first round of capital, EI can provide critical financial and advisory support at each stageIf you’re serious about scaling a startup from Ireland, it’s worth getting to know Enterprise Ireland—and leveraging the incredible resources they offer.