Startup Ecosystem

Dublin’s start-up ecosystem has a reputation for being diverse, welcoming and accessible. Whether you’re looking for funding and investment, supports or just to connect with like-minded startups – as well as more experienced entrepreneurs – we’ve got you covered.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEO)

The LEO network is the first stop for anyone seeking information and support for starting a business in Dublin. There are four dedicated LEO teams, one based in each of the region’s four local authority areas: Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin & Fingal.

LEO provides easy access to quality supports including training, networking events and mentoring. Eligible start-ups can apply for co-funding for feasibility research, salaries and other costs, as well as help in accessing other sources of finance, including Microfinance Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland (EI) supports international and Irish high potential start-ups (HPSU), developing innovative, export-orientated products and services. EI offers a wide range of funding, training and development support to eligible start-ups, making it as easy as possible to start a business in Ireland and to grow into global markets. It’s the largest seed capital investor in Ireland, investing in over 70 High Potential Start-Up companies each year and managing a portfolio of over 1300 investments in client companies.

EI offers a number of programmes combining funding and mentoring support, including the New Frontiers Programme and the Competitive Start Fund. The Innovative HPSU Fund allows EI to offer equity investment to HPSU clients, on a co-funded basis. Grants for mentoring, market research and innovation services are also available to eligible start-ups. EI also has supports specifically for female entrepreneurs.

Tax incentives and initiatives

In addition to general and R&D tax incentives, there is a range of tax initiatives specifically targeted to help fund start-ups including: tax relief, refunds and capital incentive.

Business angels

As successful entrepreneurs themselves, business angels are a very important source of seed capital, and of valuable expertise and guidance. The main contact point for business angels in Dublin is Dublin BIC.

Other sources of funding and support

Accelerators and incubators

Coworking spaces and enterprise centres

Back-to-work enterprise allowance and Short-term enterprise allowance

We also provide information on Venture Capital and other sources of funding and support for business.

Competitions

Competitions for start-ups can be a great way of raising the profile of your start-up as well as a source of funding from prizes. The main start-up competitions include:

Events

Dublin area Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland arrange a wide range of events to support start-ups. Regular startup networking events in the city organised by The Digital Hub are worth checking out. For other meet-ups and events see Startup Digest and Dublin Start-up week.

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

This programme gives aspiring entrepreneurs from other countries the opportunity to learn from experienced business people running small businesses here in Ireland. By spending time with the experienced entrepreneur, the new entrepreneur acquires the skills needed to run a small firm.

Help is at hand

There are many other online resources which will provide you with useful information on starting a business in Dublin. From writing your business plan, protecting your idea and registering your business, to buying or leasing premises, employing people and managing tax affairs:

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