How Irish Business Grants Work
Irish business grants are primarily administered through Enterprise Ireland (for exporting companies with 10+ employees), Local Enterprise Offices (for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees), and IDA Ireland (for foreign direct investment). Most grants require match funding and are structured as percentage contributions to approved project costs. EU funding through Horizon Europe and structural funds adds another layer of opportunity.
Enterprise Ireland Funding
Enterprise Ireland offers a range of supports including Feasibility Study Grants (up to €35,000), Innovation Vouchers (€5,000 for collaboration with research institutions), Agile Innovation Fund (up to €300,000), and the Commercialisation Fund for university spinouts. Enterprise Ireland also provides equity investment, mentoring, and international market access support.
Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)
LEOs are the first stop for small businesses seeking funding in Ireland. They offer Priming Grants (up to €150,000 for startups under 18 months), Business Expansion Grants (up to €150,000 for established businesses), and Technical Assistance Grants for exporting (up to €2,500). LEOs also provide free training, mentoring, and business development programs.
R&D Tax Credit
Ireland's R&D tax credit allows companies to claim a 25% tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure, on top of the standard 12.5% corporation tax deduction. This means an effective benefit of 37.5% on qualifying spend. There is no cap on the amount that can be claimed. Qualifying activities include systematic, investigative, or experimental work in science or technology that seeks to achieve a scientific or technological advancement.
How to Apply for Irish Grants
For Enterprise Ireland funding, contact your Development Advisor or apply through the Enterprise Ireland website. For LEO grants, visit your local LEO office — there are 31 across Ireland. For R&D tax credits, file with your corporation tax return through Revenue Online Service (ROS). The Supporting SMEs website (supportingsmes.ie) helps match businesses with relevant funding programs.
Featured Ireland grants
Recently verified funding opportunities in Ireland
RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2026 - Improving Wellbeing Grants
RTÉ Toy Show Appeal
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal provides Community Grants up to €10,000 and Impact Grants up to €35,000 to Irish children's charities. The 2026 grant round focuses on addressing essential needs, improving wellbeing, and promoting creativity and play, with an emphasis on child and youth participation.
RFAs: VASGBI Trainee Research Development Grant Program (UK and Ireland)
Not specified
The VASGBI Trainee Research Development Grant supports anaesthetic trainees in the UK and Ireland to conduct research in vascular anaesthesia, providing funding up to £5,000 for equipment, consumables, and justified project costs. Applicants must be supervised by experienced …
CFAs: Association/Anaesthesia Research Project Grants Program (UK and Ireland)
Not specified
The NIAA invites applications for its 2026 Association/Anaesthesia Research Project Grants, supporting projects aligned with patient safety, innovation, clinical outcomes, education, sustainability, and quality improvement. Funding ranges from small grants of £10,000 to larger …
Request for Proposals: Emerging Artist Bursaries (Ireland)
Not specified
The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is inviting applications for its Emerging Artist Bursaries 2026, offering €2,000 to support individual emerging artists in developing and creating new work between June and December 2026. The bursary is open to artists across multiple …
Heart of the Community Fund for Nonprofit Organisations (Ireland)
Not specified
The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund 2026 offers organisational investment grants of £/€5,000 to £/€25,000 for nonprofit organisations across the island of Ireland. The first 2026 open call prioritises education and innovation, providing flexible funding for core …
Mayo County Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme (Ireland)
Not specified
The Mayo County Council, in partnership with the County Mayo Heritage Forum, is inviting applications for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026. The scheme offers up to €1,500 for community-based projects in County Mayo that protect, research, manage, or promote heritage …