If you’re running or starting a small business in Ireland and need funding, the good news is there are more options than you probably realise. The less good news? Figuring out which ones you actually qualify for, and which agency to talk to first, can feel overwhelming.
This guide maps out the main funding sources available to small Irish businesses in 2026, from Local Enterprise Office grants through Enterprise Ireland supports to state-backed loans and revenue funding. It’s organised by the type of support, so you can go straight to what’s relevant to your stage and needs.
Where to start: choosing the right funding route
The first question isn’t “where can I get money?” It’s “what do I need the money for?” Different funding sources are designed for different purposes:
- Grants work best for defined projects: feasibility studies, expansion, innovation, energy efficiency, or exploring new markets. They’re non-repayable but typically require match funding (you contribute a percentage of the total cost).
- Loans are better for working capital, equipment purchases, cashflow gaps, and general startup costs. You repay them, but they give you flexibility in how the money is used.
- Programmes (mentoring, training, accelerators) don’t provide direct cash but can unlock funding by making your business “investor ready” or helping you access networks and grant applications.
Before applying anywhere, make sure you have the basics prepared: a simple business plan, a 12-month cashflow forecast, up-to-date accounts (even basic bookkeeping records for startups), and a clear explanation of what the funding will be used for.
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) grants and supports
Your Local Enterprise Office should be your first stop. There’s one in every county, and they’re specifically set up to support small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. They offer both financial grants and practical support.
Financial grants
- Feasibility Grant: Up to €15,000 (50% of eligible costs; 60% in Border, Midlands, and West regions) to research whether your business idea is viable. Covers market research, consultancy, prototyping, and testing.
- Priming Grant: Up to €150,000 (50% of investment) for new businesses in their first 18 months. Linked to job creation, with up to €15,000 per full-time position created.
- Business Expansion Grant: Same ceiling as Priming, for established businesses looking to scale. Available 12 months after drawing down a Priming Grant.
Non-financial supports
- Mentoring: Free one-to-one mentoring with experienced business advisors. Invaluable for first-time founders.
- Training programmes: Nationwide workshops on finance, marketing, digital skills, and management.
- Trading Online Voucher: Up to €2,500 (50% funded) to develop or improve your online trading capabilities.
- Lean for Business: Operational efficiency programme to reduce waste and improve processes.
- Green for Business: Sustainability assessment and action plan to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
LEO grants are available to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. They tend to favour businesses in manufacturing, food, and internationally traded services, but many supports are open to all sectors. Contact your local LEO office to discuss eligibility before applying.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland supports businesses with high-growth potential, particularly those that are innovating, exporting, or scaling internationally. Their supports are larger and more targeted than LEO grants.
Key funding supports
- Innovation Voucher: €5,000 (or up to €10,000 co-funded) to work with a university or research body on product or process innovation.
- Pre-Seed Start Fund: Up to €100,000 as a convertible loan note for innovative early-stage startups.
- Competitive Start Fund: €50,000 in equity for startup companies with an innovative product or service and the potential to create 10+ jobs.
- Key Manager Grant: Up to €150,000 towards the cost of hiring a senior manager who is critical to the company’s growth.
- R&D Fund: Support for research and development projects that develop new products, processes, or services.
Programmes
- New Frontiers: Enterprise Ireland’s national entrepreneur development programme, delivered in 18 locations. Phase 2 includes a €15,000 tax-free stipend and support valued at over €40,000. No equity taken.
- Going for Growth: Peer mentoring programme for female entrepreneurs led by successful business leaders.
- LEANPlus: Funding for lean transformation projects that improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Enterprise Ireland typically works with limited companies that have export potential. If your business is domestic-focused or a sole trader, the LEO is usually a better fit.
The National Enterprise Hub
The National Enterprise Hub is an online resource that helps you find the right supports based on your business stage, location, and needs. It aggregates supports from across LEOs, Enterprise Ireland, and other state agencies, making it easier to navigate the landscape without visiting multiple websites.
It’s a good starting point if you’re unsure which agency or programme is right for you.
Microfinance Ireland
Microfinance Ireland provides unsecured loans of up to €50,000 for micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees, under €2 million turnover). This is the go-to option when banks have turned you down but your business plan is commercially viable.
Loans cover working capital, equipment, startup costs, and cashflow gaps. The application process is straightforward, and your LEO can often refer you directly.
SBCI (Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland)
The SBCI channels European Investment Bank funding through Irish lenders to provide SMEs with access to loans at competitive rates.
The current flagship scheme is the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS): loans from €25,000 to €3 million, terms up to 10 years, with loans up to €500,000 available unsecured. The scheme runs until 30 June 2026, but some participating lenders have paused applications. Check the SBCI website for current availability.
Revenue supports and tax incentives
Some of the most valuable funding “sources” aren’t grants or loans at all. They’re tax incentives that let you keep more of what you earn:
- Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE): Income tax refund of up to €100,000 for individuals who invest in a qualifying new business. Based on PAYE tax paid in the previous six years.
- Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS): Allows your company to raise equity from private investors who receive 40% income tax relief on their investment.
- R&D Tax Credit: 30% tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure, which can be offset against corporation tax or claimed as a cash refund.
- Knowledge Development Box: 6.25% effective tax rate on qualifying profits from patented inventions and qualifying IP.
Credit unions and community finance
Irish credit unions have expanded their business lending in recent years. Many now offer business loans up to €100,000, with competitive rates and a more personal relationship than mainstream banks. If you’re a member of a credit union, it’s worth enquiring about their business lending products.
Community Enterprise Centres around the country also provide low-cost workspace, networking, and connections to local funding opportunities.
Regional and cross-border supports
- Údarás na Gaeltachta: Grants and supports for businesses based in Gaeltacht areas, including employment grants, capital grants, and training.
- InterTradeIreland: Supports for businesses trading across the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland, including the Acumen Programme (up to €21,562 for cross-border sales), the Seedcorn Competition (prizes up to €100,000), and innovation collaboration programmes.
- Western Development Commission: Loans of €50,000 to €500,000 for businesses in the Western region (counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, Clare).
How to improve your chances of getting funding
Regardless of which source you approach, the preparation is the same:
- Have your accounts in order. Even basic bookkeeping records and bank statements make a difference. For established businesses, management accounts are essential.
- Write a clear business plan. It doesn’t need to be 50 pages. It needs to explain what you do, who you serve, how you make money, and what the funding will achieve.
- Prepare a realistic cashflow forecast. Show how the business generates enough cash to sustain itself (and repay any loan).
- Get your tax affairs in order. Most state supports require tax clearance. Revenue filings must be up to date.
- Talk to your accountant. An accountant who understands your business can identify the most relevant supports, help prepare applications, and ensure your financial documentation is credible.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the easiest funding to get for a new business?
The LEO Feasibility Grant (up to €15,000) is one of the most accessible options for early-stage businesses. It funds market research and idea validation, and the application process is manageable with support from your local LEO advisor.
Can I get a grant if I’m a sole trader?
Yes. LEO grants are available to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Enterprise Ireland supports are typically limited to companies with export potential.
Do I need to be unemployed to get startup funding?
No. While some programmes (like the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance) are specifically for people transitioning from unemployment, most LEO and Enterprise Ireland supports are open to anyone starting or growing a business, regardless of employment status.
Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time?
Generally yes, but you need to declare other supports you’ve received. Some programmes have restrictions on combining public funding. Your LEO or Enterprise Ireland advisor can clarify what’s permitted.
How long does a grant application take?
LEO grants typically take four to eight weeks from application to decision. Enterprise Ireland processes can be longer. Always factor in application timelines when planning your funding needs.
Need help finding and applying for funding?
The Irish funding landscape is generous, but navigating it takes time. At Kinore, we help small businesses across Ireland identify the supports they qualify for, prepare credible applications, and get their financial documentation in the shape that funders expect.
Book a consultation and let’s find the right funding for your business.
The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional accounting, tax, or financial advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. While we take care to ensure the content is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, legislation, tax rates, thresholds, and compliance requirements in Ireland can change.
