Top Government Small Business Grants in Ireland for 2025

Starting or expanding a small business in Ireland can be both an exciting and challenging journey. One of the greatest hurdles for entrepreneurs is often financing. Fortunately, the Irish government provides a range of small business grants designed to stimulate innovation, support job creation, and encourage economic growth. In 2025, these grants are more robust and accessible than ever, tailored to meet the needs of startups, SMEs, and even microenterprises.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top government small business grants in Ireland for 2025, including who can apply, how much funding is available, and what the grants are intended to support.

1. Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grants

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) serve as the first stop for many small business owners seeking financial support. Each county in Ireland has its own LEO, offering a suite of grants that cater to early-stage and growth-focused businesses.

Key LEO Grants for 2025:

a) Priming Grant

• Who it’s for: New businesses that have been operating for less than 18 months.

• Purpose: To assist with start-up costs including equipment, marketing, consultancy, and wages.

• Funding Amount: Up to €150,000, or 50% of eligible costs (whichever is lower).

• Conditions: The business must have the potential to employ at least 10 people and be in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector.

b) Business Expansion Grant

• Who it’s for: Businesses in operation for more than 18 months.

• Purpose: To help businesses grow by supporting capital investments, staff wages, or product development.

• Funding Amount: Similar to the Priming Grant – up to €150,000 or 50% of eligible costs.

c) Feasibility Study Grant

• Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs assessing the viability of a business idea.

• Purpose: To evaluate new product or service concepts before launch.

• Funding Amount: Up to €15,000 or 60% of eligible costs.

d) Trading Online Voucher

• Who it’s for: Small businesses looking to develop an e-commerce presence.

• Purpose: To support the cost of building or improving online trading capabilities.

• Funding Amount: Up to €2,500, covering up to 50% of eligible expenditure.

• Key Update for 2025: Eligibility has been expanded to include more industries and businesses with up to 20 employees.

2. Enterprise Ireland Grants

For businesses with ambitions to scale internationally, Enterprise Ireland is the go-to government agency. Enterprise Ireland supports high-potential startups and innovative SMEs across a variety of sectors.

Top Enterprise Ireland Grants for 2025:

a) High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Support

• Who it’s for: Startups with the potential to generate €1 million+ in sales within 3-4 years and create 10+ jobs.

• Funding Amount: Up to €500,000 in equity investment and other supports.

• Benefits: Access to mentoring, market research, and global networks.

b) Innovative Start-Up Fund

• Who it’s for: Early-stage companies with disruptive business models or technologies.

• Funding Amount: Between €50,000 and €100,000, often as equity investment.

c) Lean Business Offer

• Purpose: To help companies improve productivity and efficiency through process innovation.

• Funding Amount: Varies depending on project size; often includes up to 80% funding for consultancy and training.

3. Microfinance Ireland (MFI) Loans and Supports

Although technically not a grant, Microfinance Ireland offers vital government-backed loans for small businesses unable to secure funding from traditional banks.

• Loan Size: Between €2,000 and €25,000.

• Interest Rate: Competitive, with mentoring support included.

• Special 2025 Feature: Loans for green businesses and digital transformation will have lower interest rates and quicker approval times.

4. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Grants

With the green economy booming, the SEAI is offering generous supports to small businesses that invest in energy efficiency or renewable energy.

a) Support Scheme for Energy Audits

• Who it’s for: SMEs looking to understand and reduce energy usage.

• Funding Amount: Up to €2,000 to cover the cost of a professional energy audit.

b) Community and SME Energy Grant

• Who it’s for: SMEs undertaking retrofitting or switching to renewable heating.

• Funding Amount: Up to 30% of eligible project costs.

5. Údarás na Gaeltachta Grants

If your business is based in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking regions), you may qualify for unique grants from Údarás na Gaeltachta.

• Available Supports: Capital grants, employment grants, research & development funding.

• Sectors Covered: Manufacturing, digital, creative industries, food, and marine sectors.

• Special Emphasis for 2025: Digital innovation and job creation in rural Gaeltacht areas.

6. Rural and Urban Regeneration Development Funds (RRDF & URDF)

For businesses located in specific regeneration zones, the RRDF and URDF can offer grant funding as part of wider community and economic development initiatives.

• Eligibility: Businesses involved in tourism, culture, co-working spaces, or social enterprise.

• How to Apply: Often via partnerships with local authorities or development companies.

Conclusion

Ireland offers a rich and diverse landscape of government grants tailored to support every stage of a small business’s journey—from ideation to internationalisation. Whether you’re a tech startup in Dublin, a food producer in Galway, or a green energy innovator in the Gaeltacht, there’s likely a government grant in 2025 to help you grow.

Before applying, it’s crucial to:

• Ensure your business fits the eligibility criteria.

• Prepare a solid business plan and financial projections.

• Get in touch with your Local Enterprise Office or relevant agency for tailored advice.

These grants are not just financial lifelines—they are strategic tools designed to unlock the full potential of Irish SMEs in a competitive global economy.