Enterprise Ireland Mentors are senior executives with a proven track record of business success who volunteer their experience, advice and support to client companies, with the key objective of accelerating growth and building client capability. They act as a confidential sounding board, advising the company on developing skills and overcoming barriers to growth.

The Mentor Network gives participating companies advise and support tailored to their needs. The Network is frequently refreshed with CEOs and senior executives which high levels of achievement and with proven skills in marketing, strategic development, organisation development, R&D, funding and first-time exporting across the software, services, lifesciences, environment, food and consumer products sectors.

Mentors can advise your company on:

• More targeted sales and marketing
• Expansion into new export markets
• Improved R & D, production and logistics 
• Strategic business planning
• Staff development and team building
• Better management and financial systems
• Attracting outside investment.
• Management succession
• Choose from one to one Mentoring or multiskilled Mentor panels

To find out how business Mentors have helped other Irish Companies read their Testimonials  and  Mentor Case Studies.

Mentor Network Grant

A mentoring assignment consists of ten visits over a twelve month period (two – three hours per visit). Clients choose from a short-list of mentors and the goals and objectives are established by the client in agreement with the Mentor at the start of the assignment. Mentors act on a voluntary basis with Enterprise Ireland paying the Mentor a small daily rate and out of pocket expenses. Mentors sign a strict Mentor Confidentiality Agreement with Enterprise Ireland.

The Mentor Network initiative is provided under De Minimis Aid. This means that funding under De Minimis Aid is restricted to €200,000 over any three year fiscal period. Other funding under De Minimis includes Market Research, Wireless Standards Initiative, Key Skills outside the BMW that were approved after 1st Jan 2007.

Please note that support under this programme will form part of the €65,000 combined maximum level of support available for all funding awarded under Category 1 (Exploring New Opportunities) over a rolling two-year period.

Category 1 includes funding for  consultancy,  recruitment of a key manager,  feasibility studies,  market research, mentor,  trade fair participation  and training support.

Am I eligible?

You are eligible to apply for this funding if you are one of the following: A manufacturing or internationally traded services  SME company employing 10-249 people.

A new High Potential Start Up  company.

Companies must not be eligible to receive the support applied for from An Bord Bia, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara or An Bord Glas.

How do I apply?

Project ideas must be discussed with your Enterprise Ireland  Development Adviser prior to submitting a completed application form. If you are not already a client of Enterprise Ireland, please contact your nearest Enterprise Ireland Regional Office.

You can apply using our online service  or you can download the Mentor Network grant application form. Grant application forms must be completed and returned prior commencement of the project to the:

Where can I get more information?

For more information you can email:

Mentor Network Tel: +353-1-206 6343 or 206 6331 or 206 6398 Fax: +353-1-206 6225