The Smart Founder’s Guide To Grants For Start-ups In Ireland

I’ve seen countless brilliant Irish entrepreneurs with game-changing ideas who struggle with one crucial question: how do I fund this without giving away half my company?

Ireland actually has one of the most comprehensive start up business grants Ireland ecosystems in Europe, and Enterprise Ireland sits right at the heart of it. After helping dozens of tech start-ups, e-commerce brands, and SaaS companies manage this landscape at Around Finance, I can tell you that understanding these grants for start-ups can be the difference between your start-up thriving or just surviving.

The reality is that most founders approach funding backwards. They think equity investment first, bank loans second, and grants as an afterthought. But I’ve watched smart entrepreneurs flip this script entirely, using grant funding for start-ups to prove their concept, build credibility, and achieve significant milestones before they ever give up a single share to investors.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Enterprise Ireland funding, from the programmes that could transform your business to the insider tips that actually get applications approved. This isn’t just theory – these are strategies I’ve used to help real companies secure hundreds of thousands in non-dilutive funding.

grants for start-ups

Why Enterprise Ireland Should Be Your First Call

Enterprise Ireland isn’t just another government agency handing out forms and processing applications. They’re basically the central hub for start up business grants Ireland, with a clear mission: helping Irish businesses become global players. And here’s what makes them genuinely different from every other funding source you’ll encounter:

  • Non-repayable grants that don’t touch your equity
  • Credibility boost that investors actually care about
  • International networks in over 30 countries with real market access
  • Mentorship programmes with people who’ve built and sold businesses
  • Strategic guidance for scaling globally from people who’ve done it

I’ll be honest – the application process isn’t a walk in the park. There are forms, financial projections, interviews, and due diligence processes that can feel overwhelming when you’re already trying to build a company. In 2024, Enterprise Ireland invested €27.6 million in 157 start-ups, making them one of the most active providers of grants for start-ups in Europe, and the strong momentum continued into 2025 with a record €634 million raised by 79 companies in the first quarter alone, underscoring the vital role of their funding programs in Ireland’s start-up ecosystem.

The best part? Unlike venture capital that wants a chunk of your company, or bank loans that demand personal guarantees against your house, grants are essentially free money. Yes, they come with conditions and reporting requirements, but your equity stays exactly where it should – with you. That said, Enterprise Ireland’s investment through funds like the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) or seed rounds is capped at a maximum of 10% equity, maintaining a balanced approach that aligns with early-stage investment norms.

What really excites me about Enterprise Ireland is their long-term approach. They’re not just writing cheques and walking away. I’ve seen them stick with companies through multiple funding rounds, providing strategic support and introductions that money can’t buy. When you get Enterprise Ireland backing, you’re joining a portfolio of companies they’re genuinely invested in seeing succeed.

Understanding Grants vs Other Funding: The Strategic Advantage

Before we get into specific programmes, let’s clear up some confusion about what grants actually are and why they should be a cornerstone of your funding strategy.

Grants are financial awards that don’t require repayment. Unlike loans that demand interest payments whether your business succeeds or fails, or equity investment that permanently reduces your ownership, grant funding for start-ups provides capital with strings attached but no ongoing financial obligations.

For tech start-ups, these grants for start-ups create several compelling advantages that most founders underestimate:

  • The credibility factor: When Enterprise Ireland backs your company, it sends a signal to the market that independent experts have evaluated your business and believe it has genuine potential. I’ve watched this credibility open doors that would have remained locked otherwise.
  • Cash flow freedom: Non-repayable funds mean you can invest in growth, product development, and team building without the pressure of immediate returns or interest payments. This breathing room often makes the difference between surviving and thriving during critical early phases.
  • Equity preservation: Every percentage point of equity you keep is potentially worth millions if your company succeeds. Grants let you fund significant milestones while maintaining control and maximising your upside.
  • Network effects: Grant programmes connect you with other founders, mentors, and industry experts who become valuable resources throughout your journey. These relationships often prove more valuable than the funding itself.

The Big Four: Enterprise Ireland’s Core Programmes

Enterprise Ireland offers several funding programmes, but four stand out as the most impactful for tech start-ups and SaaS companies, with Enterprise Ireland HPSU being the flagship opportunity. Let me break down each one and show you which might be the perfect fit for your current stage.

High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Funding: The Holy Grail

This is the crown jewel of Irish start-up funding. When people talk about successful grants for start-ups in Ireland, HPSU status is usually what they mean. Getting accepted into this programme is like receiving a stamp of approval that resonates throughout the Irish business ecosystem.

What you need to qualify:

  • Less than 5 years old 
  • Potential to create 10+ jobs and hit €1M+ in export sales within 3-4 years
  • A product or service that international markets actually want and will pay for
  • A founding team that demonstrates relevant experience and capability
  • Global ambition with a clear path beyond the Irish market
  • Innovation that creates genuine competitive advantage

The financial structure: Enterprise Ireland HPSU typically provides investments of €50,000 to €250,000 for a 10% equity stake. In exceptional cases with truly scalable opportunities, they’ll go up to €1 million. Here’s the clever part – it’s co-investment funding, meaning they match what private investors put in.

This co-investment requirement isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s strategic validation. Enterprise Ireland wants to see that independent investors also believe in your opportunity. It creates a natural quality filter and often leads to stronger investor relationships. Enterprise Ireland’s valuation at 10% sets the benchmark for investment partners. It’s a good way to get alignment around valuation in the early stages.

Beyond the money: HPSU status provides access to resources that money can’t buy. You get a dedicated Development Advisor who becomes your strategic partner, understanding your business intimately and providing guidance through growth challenges. These advisors have usually worked with dozens of companies through scaling phases and understand patterns that individual founders might miss.

The international network access is genuinely transformative. Enterprise Ireland has offices in major markets worldwide, and HPSU companies get preferential access to market entry support, trade missions, and buyer introductions. I’ve seen companies land their first international customers directly through Enterprise Ireland connections.

Application reality check: The HPSU application process is thorough because the stakes are high. They want to see validated market demand, not just assumptions. Your go-to-market plan needs to demonstrate real understanding of customer acquisition costs and sales cycles. Financial projections should be ambitious but grounded in defendable assumptions.

The interview process involves presenting to a committee of experienced business leaders who will ask tough questions about your assumptions, competitive positioning, and scaling plans. Preparation is crucial, but so is honesty about challenges and risks.

Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF): Your Gateway to Growth

Step 1 en route to HPSU, where they take 5% equity for €100,000.

Think of PSSF as HPSU’s younger sibling – designed for start-ups that aren’t quite ready for the big leagues but show serious potential for getting there. This programme represents one of the most accessible grants for start-ups at the early stage, bridging the gap between having a validated idea and being ready for significant equity investment.

The financial structure: Up to €100,000 in convertible loan funding, typically offered as €50,000 or €100,000 tranches. The equity conversion usually works out to 2.5% for €50,000 or 5% for €100,000 when the loan converts during a future funding round.

Eligibility essentials:

  • Incorporated in Ireland with a CRO number
  • Demonstrates high growth potential and scalable business model
  • Strong founding team with relevant experience or complementary skills
  • Ability to secure matching funding from private sources
  • Early-stage positioning: pre-revenue or just starting to generate initial sales

Sector focus that works:

  • SaaS platforms serving business markets with recurring revenue potential
  • Fintech solutions addressing real financial services gaps
  • Digital health innovations with clear regulatory pathways
  • IoT and connected devices solving specific industry problems
  • AI and machine learning applications with demonstrable market need
  • Cleantech innovations with commercial viability beyond environmental benefits

The beauty of PSSF is accessibility. Applications are open year-round, removing the pressure of hitting specific funding deadlines. The evaluation process is faster than HPSU but still thorough, usually taking 8-12 weeks from application to decision.

I’ve seen start-ups use PSSF funding strategically to achieve specific milestones that position them perfectly for HPSU consideration. It’s often the bridge that transforms a promising idea into an investable opportunity.

New Frontiers Programme: From Idea to Opportunity

This programme deserves more attention than it usually receives. It’s Enterprise Ireland’s entrepreneur bootcamp, designed specifically for people with business ideas who need structure, guidance, and validation to turn concepts into viable opportunities.

Phase 1 structure: Evening workshops running over several months, allowing participants to keep their day jobs while developing their ideas. The €15,000 stipend recognises that entrepreneurship requires investment of time and resources. The curriculum covers market validation, business model development, financial planning, and pitch preparation.

Phase 2 intensive: Full-time programme for the most promising participants, providing an additional €5,000 plus intensive mentorship and business development support. This phase focuses on execution, with participants expected to make significant progress on product development and customer acquisition.

I recommend New Frontiers for first-time founders who know they’re onto something but need proven frameworks to evaluate and develop their opportunity. The mentorship network includes successful entrepreneurs who’ve navigated the challenges you’re facing.

The programme also provides natural progression paths. Many New Frontiers graduates successfully apply for PSSF funding, having used the programme to validate their concepts and develop compelling business cases.

Innovation Vouchers: The Hidden Gem

These €5,000 vouchers represent probably the most underutilised grants for start-ups opportunity in Ireland. They’re designed to facilitate collaboration between start-ups and academic institutions, which makes them perfect for tech companies needing specialised expertise or validation.

Strategic applications:

  • Technical feasibility studies for new product concepts
  • Prototype development and testing
  • Access to specialist equipment and research facilities
  • Market research and customer validation studies
  • Intellectual property development and protection strategies

The collaboration advantage: Innovation Vouchers require working with registered knowledge providers – universities, institutes of technology, and research centres. This isn’t just a bureaucratic requirement; it’s an opportunity to access expertise that would be prohibitively expensive to hire directly.

I’ve seen start-ups use Innovation Vouchers to validate technical approaches before committing to full development, conduct market research that strengthens grant applications, and even develop intellectual property that becomes central to their competitive advantage.

The application process is straightforward, with multiple calls throughout the year. If you’re developing anything that could benefit from academic expertise or specialist facilities, these vouchers are essentially free money sitting on the table.

  • Enterprises may be eligible to receive multiple Innovation Vouchers, typically up to three or four over time.
  • The first voucher is usually fully funded by Enterprise Ireland; however, the company is responsible for paying the associated VAT.
  • Subsequent vouchers are often co-funded, with Enterprise Ireland covering approximately 50% of the project costs.
  • The company contributes the remaining project costs plus VAT for these co-funded vouchers.
  • This tiered funding approach encourages ongoing collaboration while sharing the financial commitment of innovation projects.
  • Exact funding arrangements and eligibility criteria can vary, so it’s important to consult the current Enterprise Ireland guidelines for precise details.

For detailed and up-to-date information on Innovation Vouchers, including eligibility, funding structures, and application guidelines, please refer to the official Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher page here and review the Innovation Vouchers Reference Document here.

grant funding for start-ups

Additional Strategic Programmes Worth Considering

Beyond the main four programmes, the start up business grants Ireland landscape includes several smaller but strategic funding options that can perfectly complement your growth plans.

Agile Innovation Fund: Fast-Track R&D Support

For tech start-ups undertaking focused R&D projects, this fund offers a streamlined alternative to larger research programmes:

Key benefits:

  • Funding up to 50% of eligible R&D project costs
  • Maximum grant of €150,000
  • Fast-track approval process, typically 2-4 weeks
  • Lower administrative burden compared to larger programmes
  • Can be combined with R&D tax credits for maximum benefit

Perfect applications:

  • Development of new features or product iterations
  • Creation of innovative software solutions
  • Implementation of new production or delivery methods
  • Research addressing specific technological challenges
  • Pilot projects testing market opportunities

The Agile Innovation Fund works particularly well for companies that have already secured initial funding and want to accelerate specific development projects. The fast approval process means you can respond quickly to market opportunities or competitive pressures.

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grants: Starting Your Journey

Before you’re ready for Enterprise Ireland programmes, Local Enterprise Offices provide crucial early-stage support:

Feasibility Study Grants:

  • Up to 50% of costs, maximum €15,000
  • Perfect for market research and concept validation
  • Helps develop business plans for larger applications
  • Provides foundation for future funding applications

Priming Grants:

  • Available to microenterprises within their first 18 months
  • Up to 50% of eligible costs, typically maximum €50,000 at local approval level
  • Covers capital items, marketing, consultancy, and key employee costs
  • Particularly useful for establishing initial operations
  • Grant applications above €50,000 are referred to an Enterprise Ireland panel for approval

Many successful tech start-ups begin their funding journey with LEO support before progressing to Enterprise Ireland programmes. This staged approach allows you to validate concepts cost-effectively while building the track record needed for larger applications.

The Application Game: What Actually Works

After helping numerous companies secure grants for start-ups, I can tell you that winning submissions have three things in common: compelling business plans that tell stories, realistic financials that demonstrate understanding, and perfect alignment with programme objectives.

Crafting Business Plans That Win

  • The narrative structure that works: Your business plan needs to tell a compelling story that evaluates can follow from problem to solution to opportunity. Start with a clear problem statement that makes evaluators think “yes, this is genuinely painful for customers.” Then demonstrate how your solution addresses this pain in a way that customers will pay for.
  • Market validation that convinces: Enterprise Ireland can spot desk research masquerading as market validation immediately. They want to see evidence of real customer conversations, prototype testing, pilot projects, or early sales. Even if you’re pre-revenue, demonstrate that you’ve talked to potential customers and understand their needs intimately.
  • Competitive analysis that’s honest: Don’t claim you have no competition – that suggests you don’t understand your market. Instead, demonstrate clear understanding of the competitive landscape and articulate why your approach will win. Focus on differentiation that customers actually care about, not just features you think are cool.
  • Financial projections that balance ambition with realism: Your numbers need to be ambitious enough to justify investment but realistic enough to believe. Ground every assumption in market research or comparable company data. Provide conservative and optimistic scenarios that show you understand the risks and variables affecting your business.

Team Presentation That Builds Confidence

  • Highlighting relevant experience: Enterprise Ireland invests in teams, not just ideas. Demonstrate that your founding team has the skills and experience necessary to execute your plan. If you have gaps, acknowledge them honestly and explain how you’ll address them.
  • Showing complementary capabilities: The strongest applications demonstrate teams with complementary skills covering technology, commercial, and operational aspects. If you’re a solo founder, show how you’ll build out your team and what specific expertise you’ll add.

Financial Management That Impresses

  • Professional accounting infrastructure: Using professional accounting software like Xero from day one demonstrates business discipline and makes due diligence processes much smoother. Clean financial records aren’t just good practice – they’re essential when Enterprise Ireland starts examining your financial management capabilities.
  • Cash flow planning that’s detailed: Show detailed understanding of your cash flow patterns, including seasonal variations, payment terms, and working capital requirements. This demonstrates operational sophistication that evaluators look for in scalable businesses.

Common Mistakes That Destroy Applications

I’ve seen brilliant start-ups rejected for entirely avoidable reasons. Learning from these mistakes can dramatically improve your success chances:

The fatal five application killers

  1. Insufficient market research: Enterprise Ireland can spot assumptions disguised as market insights immediately. Invest time in real customer conversations, prototype testing, and market analysis that goes beyond Google searches and industry reports.
  2. Vague technical descriptions: Be specific about your innovation and competitive advantages. Explain your technology in terms that non-technical evaluators can understand while demonstrating genuine differentiation.
  3. Unrealistic financial projections: Don’t inflate numbers to look more impressive. Enterprise Ireland prefers honest assessments of realistic opportunities over inflated projections that demonstrate poor judgment.
  4. Poor presentation quality: Invest time and resources in professional documentation. Poor presentation suggests lack of attention to detail and disrespect for the evaluation process.
  5. Misalignment with programme objectives: Each programme has specific goals and evaluation criteria. Tailor your application to demonstrate how your company advances these objectives rather than trying to force mismatched opportunities into inappropriate programmes.

Strategic Integration: Building Your Funding Pathway

The smartest entrepreneurs don’t just apply for individual grants for start-ups – they create strategic funding pathways that evolve with their growth stages and maximise grant funding for start-ups and other non-dilutive capital before considering equity investment.

Early stage strategy (0-18 months)

  • LEO Feasibility Study Grants for market validation and business planning
  • Innovation Vouchers for technical validation and prototype development
  • New Frontiers Programme for business development and mentorship
  • Revenue’s R&D tax credits for qualifying development activities

Growth stage approach (18 months-3 years)

  • Pre-Seed Start Fund for initial scaling and market entry
  • Agile Innovation Fund for specific product development projects
  • Enterprise Ireland HPSU preparation and application for significant growth capital
  • Strategic angel investment to complement grant funding

Scale stage planning (3+ years)

  • Follow-on HPSU investment for international expansion
  • EU programmes like Horizon Europe for advanced R&D
  • Venture capital for major scaling initiatives
  • Strategic partnerships for market access and distribution

This staged approach allows you to access maximum non-dilutive funding while building credibility and achieving milestones that improve terms for future equity investment.

Maximising R&D Tax Benefits: The Double Advantage

One of the most overlooked opportunities when pursuing grants for start-ups is combining Enterprise Ireland grants with Revenue’s R&D Tax Credit scheme. This combination can reduce your innovation costs by up to 60%.

How R&D tax credits work:

  • 30% refundable credit on qualifying R&D expenditure
  • Applies to salaries, materials, and direct overheads related to R&D activities
  • Can be claimed alongside grant funding for maximum benefit
  • Provides additional cash flow support for innovation activities

Strategic application: Many Enterprise Ireland grants fund activities that qualify for R&D tax credits. By structuring your projects appropriately and maintaining proper documentation, you can access both funding sources for the same activities.

Documentation requirements: Success with R&D tax credits requires meticulous record-keeping of time spent on qualifying activities, costs incurred, and technical challenges addressed. Establishing these processes early ensures you can claim credits effectively.

How Around Finance Transforms Grant Success Rates

At Around Finance, we’ve developed a systematic approach to grants for start-ups that significantly improves success rates for our clients. Working with ambitious tech start-ups, e-commerce brands, and SaaS companies across Ireland, we understand what makes applications succeed.

Our strategic process

Programme assessment and timing: We evaluate your business stage, development needs, and growth objectives to identify the most appropriate programmes and optimal timing for applications. Many start-ups apply for the wrong programmes at the wrong time, wasting effort and potentially damaging their credibility.

Business plan development: We help craft compelling narratives that align with programme objectives while highlighting your unique value proposition and competitive advantages. Our business plans balance ambition with realism in ways that resonate with Enterprise Ireland HPSU evaluators and other programme assessors.

Financial modelling and projections: We develop detailed financial models that demonstrate understanding of your business drivers and market dynamics. Our projections pass due diligence scrutiny while supporting ambitious growth plans.

Application preparation and submission: We manage the entire application process, ensuring all requirements are met and submissions are professional and compelling. Our clients consistently receive positive feedback on application quality.

Ongoing compliance and reporting: Grant funding comes with reporting requirements and milestone tracking. We provide ongoing support to ensure compliance and maximise the benefits of funding received.

Strategic financial guidance: Beyond grant applications, we provide CFO Services for growing companies that need strategic financial guidance for scaling, fundraising, and operational optimisation.

The partnership advantage: Working with experienced advisors doesn’t just improve your chances of securing funding – it helps you make better strategic decisions about which opportunities to pursue and how to structure your growth plans for maximum impact.

Making Your Strategic Move

Enterprise Ireland funding represents one of the best deals available to Irish start-ups – validation, capital, and strategic support without giving up control of your company. But success requires understanding the landscape, preparing compelling applications, and integrating grant funding for start-ups strategically with your broader business objectives.

The start up business grants Ireland opportunities are substantial and accessible, but they require professional approach and strategic thinking. Whether you’re validating your first MVP, building your initial team, or preparing for international expansion, Enterprise Ireland’s ecosystem can accelerate your journey from start-up to scale-up.

Ready to explore how grant funding could transform your business trajectory? Contact us for a strategic consultation where we’ll assess your funding potential and create a detailed roadmap for maximising grant opportunities.

For comprehensive insights into all funding options available to Irish businesses, download our free resource: The Complete Guide To Every Business Grant And Support Available In Ireland.

The funding ecosystem is there. The question is: are you ready to seize these opportunities strategically?

FAQs

What is Enterprise Ireland funding?

Enterprise Ireland offers a variety of grants and funding programs designed to help Irish start-ups and scale-ups grow internationally. Their support includes non-repayable grants, equity investments, mentorship, and market access resources.

Who is eligible for Enterprise Ireland funding?

Eligibility varies by program but generally targets Irish-incorporated start-ups with strong growth potential, innovative products or services, and scalable business models. Some programs require a trading history or export ambitions.

What is the High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) program?

The HPSU is a flagship program providing equity investment and support to start-ups aiming to create at least 10 jobs and achieve €1 million in exports within 3-4 years. It involves a rigorous application and co-investment process.

How does the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) work?

PSSF offers convertible loan funding to early-stage start-ups with high growth potential. Loans typically convert into equity during future investment rounds, helping founders bridge the gap before major funding.

What are Innovation Vouchers?

Innovation Vouchers fund collaborations between start-ups and academic institutions, providing up to €5,000 to support research, prototype development, feasibility studies, and access to specialist expertise.

Are Enterprise Ireland grants repayable?

No, most Enterprise Ireland grants are non-repayable, meaning you don’t have to pay back the funds or give up equity. There are reporting and compliance requirements to maintain funding.

Can I apply to multiple programs?

Yes, start-ups often follow a staged funding journey, starting with Local Enterprise Office grants and innovation vouchers, then progressing to PSSF, Agile Innovation Fund, and eventually HPSU investments.

How competitive is the application process?

Applications are competitive and require detailed business plans, market validation, realistic financial projections, and strong founding teams. Preparation and alignment with program goals are critical.

How does Enterprise Ireland support start-ups beyond funding?

Besides capital, Enterprise Ireland provides strategic mentoring, access to international markets, networks of investors and partners, and practical guidance on scaling and growth.

Where can I get help with my application?

Specialist advisors like Around Finance offer services to help craft winning applications, develop financial models, and provide ongoing strategic support to maximise funding success.

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