This initiative aims to develop the market development skills of companies by providing support towards internal costs which they may incur when researching new markets for products and services.

What costs are eligible?

All applications for funding should be discussed with your Development Advisor prior to submission.  Salaries/wages may only be included in your application following discussions with your Development Advisor.

Maximum support limits:

* For all out of pocket expenses including hotels, meals, taxis, local fares, incidentals, etc.

In addition to those of the Company’s own staff, Travel and subsistance costs of agreed third party personnel who are involved in market research on new and improved products are processes, including distributor development, supplier interaction, workshops with end users are also eligible.

There must be no element of export aid in this initiative. This means that eligible costs cannot include any support towards the setting up of an overseas office, the setting up of a distribution network or any costs which could subsidise the unit costs of the final products.

Maximum support limits

Market Research is an Enterprise Ireland Category 1 support.   Other Category 1 supports include funding for consultancy, recruitment of a key manager ,  feasibility studies ,market research, mentor network service , trade fair participation   and training  support.  

There is a cumulative grant limit within a rolling two-year period for all proposals approved under this category of funding.  For further information, please discuss with your Development Adviser.

The grant maximum is based on a percentage level of your expenditure and may be reduced if you have raised funds under the BES (Business Expansion Scheme) or SCS (Seed Capital Scheme).

Note Market Research funding to companies is provided under De Minimis Aid.   Please click here to find out more about de minimis aid and the limits that apply to it. 

Please note that approval by Enterprise Ireland of any grant sought in this application shall be subject to Enterprise Ireland being satisfied:
(a) of the merits of providing grant support to the activity set out in the application
(b) that the approval is in accordance with Enterprise Ireland policy
(c) that the approval is in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements
(d) that there are sufficient funds available to Enterprise Ireland

Am I eligible?

You are eligible to apply for this funding if you are one of the following:

• A manufacturing or internationally traded services  company
• A new High Potential Start Up company  
• Companies must not be eligible to receive marketing support from An Bord Bia or An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

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.

Grant application forms must be completed and returned prior to the commencement of the project to:

Client Service Unit

Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application by the Client Service Unit will not be eligible for grant aid.