Sources of support
      Back to home
      1. Trade Hub
      2. Cross-Border support, events and webinars
      3. Sources of support

      Sources of support - Ireland

      Information about agencies and associations in Ireland who offer business advice, training and other forms of support.

      Resources written in search bar on virtual screen

      Goods and Customs

      Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provide, principally through our agencies, 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. 

      Enterprise Ireland offers a range of support for companies focused on growth through international sales. Enterprise Ireland offers guidance for exporters through the Exporter Development section.

      Enterprise Ireland administrate the Business Users Support Scheme for Kerosene (BUSSK) which provides eligible businesses with a payment to compensate them for half of their increased Kerosene costs during the period from 1 March to 31 December 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. Find out more and apply for BUSSK.

      Information on customs charges, procedures, and rules when importing and exporting goods. This includes the UK.

      The Local Enterprise Office provides advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your business. With 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer you a wide range of experience, skills and services. Here's a PDF list of contact details for all the Local Enterprise Offices.

      The Chamber plays a vital role in maintaining focus on the value of two-way trade between the United Kingdom and Ireland, for business, for the governments and for communities. The Chamber enables vital access between governments, policymakers, industry and employers for the benefit of all.

      The Irish SME Association (ISME) support SME owner-managers by lobbying on their behalf, providing advice and information, and providing learning and development programmes and business development and promotional opportunities.

      As Ireland's inward investment promotion agency, we are a non-commercial, semi-state body promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland.

      Working closely with stakeholders to help the local business environment to thrive for everyone doing business in it. There are various chambers across Ireland. Here's a PDF list of contact details for all the Chambers.

      The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) aims to help SMEs fund their ambitious business plans by creating a more competitive and dynamic environment for SME funding.
      Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) research promotes and assists the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in Ireland.

      Regulations

      National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is Ireland’s official standards body providing further guidance on product and regulatory requirements and implications for supply chains.

      Health and Safety Authority (HSA) regulates and promotes work-related safety, health and welfare and the safe use of chemicals and products. They provide the national accreditation service.

      The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) provides new food businesses with a comprehensive range of background information. The FSAI’s primary focus is to assist food businesses to achieve good hygiene standards and comply with the law. 

      VAT

      The home page of Revenue.ie for further information about taxes and duties, starting and running a business and employing people.

      People

      Cross Border Partnership Employment Services (CBPES) assist in the removal of barriers for job seekers, workers and employers who are seeking employment, working or employing on the island of Ireland.

      Border People provides information on your Right to Work across the border, Taxation, Access to Social Welfare & Healthcare, Commuting, etc.

      Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development.

      Digital and Technology Support

      Guidance about Digital Innovation and redesigning your business to serve your customers better, starting with a deep understanding of your customer needs and your value stream and then using new technology to improve the customer experience.

      Digital for Business provides support to obtain digital strategy, technical and/or advisory services for eligible businesses.

      Sustainability

      This Toolkit helps your business get started on your zero carbon journey. It recommends the most impactful steps to understand and address your environmental impacts.

      Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offer a range of grants and funding supports across home, business and community and are helping Irish businesses to reduce their energy costs while improving energy efficiency.

      Agri-Food

      Leading the sustainable development of the agri-food, forestry and marine sector and optimising its contribution to national economic development and the natural environment.

      Bord Bia aims to drive the commercial success of a world-class Irish food, drink and horticulture industry. They have put together a number of supports for businesses covering businesses of all sizes.

      Agriculture

      Teagasc - the Agriculture and Food Development Authority - is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.

      Retail

      Retail Ireland Is the largest and most influential business organisation representing Ireland’s retail sector for Irish businesses.

      Hospitality

       The Irish Hospitality Institute is the professional body for the Hospitality & Tourism Industry in Ireland. Its aim is to support members at every stage of their careers and help them reach their full potential by encouraging their professional development through seminars, conferences, networking opportunities, management development & training initiatives. 

      The network represents the broad hospitality sector, with members from hospitality, events, entertainment, culture, arts, leisure, tourism and visitor attractions, and the associated supply chains for these sectors. It provides business advice and support to members and is a channel to share best practice and build peer to peer connections.

      Arts and Culture

      Information about policies, services and programmes supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.