Our key focus for Irish companies is covered under the following 5 areas of activity:

1. Achieving Export Sales  

Our primary focus is to help our client companies achieve international success.   We provide a wealth of professional services and resources.  Our state-level influence means we can open doors for clients with key decision makers, buyers and influencers in the right organisations and at the right level.  Our network of Overseas Offices strengthens our in-market power to source market knowledge and the best business contacts for our clients. 

Further information is available in the Export section of our site.

2. Driving Research and Innovation

Companies can build R&D capability and access valuable research from third level institutions using Enterprise Ireland’s supports. Academic Researchers can collaborate with companies and apply for commercialisation funding for their research. 

Further information is available in the Research & Innovate section of our site.

3. Competing Through Productivity

A company’s ability to increase productivity, exports and turnover will determine their future performance. Enterprise Ireland has a suite of business innovation supports to drive growth.

Further information is available in the Business Innovation section of our site. 

4. Starting Up & Scaling Up

Starting-up

In 2007, 79 new start-ups were supported by Enterprise Ireland across all sectors.  In 2008, encouraging and supporting innovation-led high potential start-up companies (HPSUs) with an export focus is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and is fundamental to building the next generation of world-class Irish companies. 

Our dedicated HPSU Business Unit will continue to drive the development of these innovative new companies. Its added focus in 2008–2010 will be on assisting Irish companies to achieve scale at the earliest stage of development.

Further information is available in the Start a Business section of our website, or contact:

Paul Maguire, High Potential Start Up Business Unit, Enterprise Ireland  Tel: +(353 1)  727 2935

Scaling Up

Who we are

Enterprise Ireland's Scaling Division provides support to client companies to grow into international companies of scale.  The division was established to increase the number of client companies with total sales of €30m+ per annum.

How we identify Clients

Using experience gained by research and from working closely with companies that have successfully scaled, the Scaling Division has identified some fundamental characteristics that are critical to achieving scale.  These characteristics are used to identify those companies with the potential to scale and who also have a desire to grow by 20%+ p.a.

How we work with clients

Generally the interaction commences with a strategic review, involving interviews with significant customers, the management team, Board and major investors (as appropriate).  The feedback and analysis from this review forms the basis of an agreed strategic agenda between the company and the Scaling Division.

The Scaling team facilitates companies learning from each other and also from international experts tailored to Scaling issues.

Client Base

50+ companies, across all sectors.

Some fundamental characteristics of a Scaling company

The Scaling Division has identified the following fundamentals as critical to Irish companies achieving scale:

• A Scalable Business Model that is profitable and has recurring revenue streams.
• Leadership & Organisation Development.
• A culture of innovation that permeates the business.
• Growth through Partnerships & Acquisitions

For further information on the Scaling Division, please contact:

Charlene McManus, Scaling Business Unit, Enterprise Ireland Tel +(353 1) 727 2108

5. Driving Regional Enterprise

Driving enterprise growth throughout the  regions of Ireland is central to Ireland's continued economic growth and one of our key objectives.  We work closely with local industry bodies, third level institutions and other business networks to encourage and promote start-ups, spin-off enterprises, and business expansions.  We continue to co-invest with the private sector in the development of venture capital funding and four venture capital funds now have specific regional mandates.