In Ireland, start with the free National Enterprise Hub if you are unsure which support or agency fits your business. For EU research and innovation calls—especially Horizon Europe—also contact the relevant National Contact Point (NCP) and Enterprise Europe Network Ireland (EEN). Then check the live call rules: eligibility, partners, documents, deadline and submission portal all depend on the programme and call.
Start with the National Enterprise Hub if you need direction
The National Enterprise Hub is a broad, free starting point for Irish businesses that do not yet know which public support applies. The Department of Enterprise describes it as bringing together information on more than 250 government supports, including grants, loans, mentoring, management development and expert advice.
The Hub’s FAQ says it is open to businesses ranging from pre-startup entrepreneurs and sole traders to established SMEs. You can search and filter supports or contact trained advisers through the service’s online channels, phone or live chat; check the FAQ for current contact options. The Hub can direct you to the relevant agency, but it does not decide funding applications. Apply to the agency responsible for the support.
Use the Hub when you are not sure whether your project belongs with an Irish support, an EU-linked programme or another route. It is a navigation service, not a universal EU grant office or an application-writing service.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
For EU opportunities and partners, contact EEN Ireland
Enterprise Europe Network Ireland can help identify funding sources relevant to your business activity, point you towards operators that may help validate or implement a project, and look for partners for a collaborative European research project. It can also identify existing projects a business may be able to join.
EEN is particularly relevant if your project needs an international consortium, research partners, commercial or technology partners, or help navigating EU-level business opportunities. The Irish government identifies EEN Ireland as a source of personalised business and technology opportunity support, delivered through a partnership involving Enterprise Ireland, Cork Chamber of Commerce, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Local Enterprise Offices. Ask EEN which services currently cover your programme and project; the call’s rules determine who is eligible to apply.
For Horizon Europe, find the relevant National Contact Point
If you are considering Horizon Europe, the European Commission’s support for applicants page directs applicants to their relevant NCP. NCPs can explain programme opportunities, and many organise information and networking events, proposal-writing workshops and partner-finding support.
The Funding & Tenders Portal’s NCP directory lists typical Horizon Europe services, including help choosing relevant topics and action types, administrative and contractual guidance, proposal-writing assistance, guidance documents and partner search. Use the portal’s current filters to identify the Irish contact for the programme you are pursuing. NCP arrangements vary by country and programme, and not every EU programme has an NCP.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
An NCP can help you understand and prepare an application; it does not evaluate your proposal or guarantee an award.
Submit through the portal named in the actual call
There is no single application portal for all EU funding. The route depends on the programme and how the money is managed. The European Commission’s application process guidance explains that direct-managed grants typically require applicants to find an eligible call, create an account on the Funding & Tenders Portal, register their organisation and submit the proposal there. Follow the call’s own instructions: requirements, templates, evaluation criteria and deadlines are specific to that call, and a proposal must be complete and on time.
For EU funds managed with national or regional authorities, the Commission points to Ireland’s eufunds.ie portal. National portals and programme sites provide information such as call scope, eligibility, objectives, timelines, applicant guidance and training resources. Always follow the route specified by the responsible programme authority rather than assuming that an EU-funded opportunity uses the Commission portal.
Check whether an Enterprise Ireland-listed programme fits
Enterprise Ireland’s funding and grants catalogue includes programmes such as Eurostars and Innowwide among its innovation and internationalisation-related supports. Treat these as options to investigate, not general-purpose grants available to every small business. Check the current call, programme rules and eligibility with the responsible adviser before committing time to an application.
A practical route from project idea to application
- Write a short project brief. Note what your business does, its size and location, the problem or opportunity, planned activities, likely partners, budget and timing. This helps advisers identify relevant routes.
- Ask the Hub where to start. If you cannot identify the right agency or programme, contact the National Enterprise Hub and ask it to direct you to the appropriate support.
- Talk to EEN and an NCP when the project is international or research-led. EEN can help with EU funding routes and partners; for Horizon Europe, the relevant NCP can provide programme-specific guidance.
- Read the live call before preparing a full proposal. Confirm that your business and project meet its eligibility rules, and check the funding conditions, required consortium, documents, templates, assessment criteria, deadline and submission route.
- Register and submit early using the specified portal. Direct-managed calls typically use the Funding & Tenders Portal when instructed; nationally or regionally managed funds use the relevant Irish programme route, including eufunds.ie where applicable. Leave time to resolve account, organisation-registration or document issues.
Choose the right kind of help
| What you need | Best starting point | What it can help with |
|---|---|---|
| You do not know which Irish agency or support applies | National Enterprise Hub | Search and guidance to the responsible agency; it does not decide applications. |
| You need EU opportunity or international partner support | Enterprise Europe Network Ireland | Funding-source identification, partner searches and possible projects to join. |
| You are considering a Horizon Europe call | Relevant National Contact Point | Programme and call guidance, proposal support and partner-finding services that vary by contact. |
| You need to confirm how to apply | The live call page and its named programme portal | Call-specific eligibility, documents, templates, deadlines and submission instructions. |
A paid proposal consultant is another possible option for a complex application, but private consultants are independent and are not the same as official public or network support. The official services above do not imply endorsement of a particular consultant. No adviser or intermediary can promise that a proposal will receive funding.
Quick Recap
Verify the details that can change
- Check the live call page for current eligibility, opening dates, deadline, funding conditions and required partners.
- Confirm that the support service you contact currently covers the programme and type of help you need.
- Use the submission portal named by the programme authority; a portal helpdesk can assist with process or technical issues, not decide whether your project merits funding.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
