Who can help me start my business in Ireland?

If you are thinking of starting your own business the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) have a wide range of supports that can help you. There are 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country, and they are available to meet, free of charge, with anyone looking to start a business. They can help you take the first steps, whether that be a course, some training, mentoring or financial support.

Read the LEO’s 10 step guide to starting a business.

Supports to help you start your own business in Ireland

LEO Start Your Own Business Programme

The Start Your Own Business programme is run by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) across the country. The programme is heavily subsidised and is available at a small fee (normally €50-€100). This programme includes 6-8 modules and covers everything you need to know when starting a business from developing the idea, right through to creating a business plan. No previous business knowledge is necessary. Since 2014 over 17,500 people in Ireland have used this programme.

Business Advice Clinics 

The Local Enterprise Offices run regular business advice clinics across the country. This is free and open to all those with a small business or looking to start one. They can help perfect an idea, or give advice and signposting on next steps, and dealing with any issues that might come up.

Business Mentor Programme 

The business mentor programme by Local Enterprise Offices matches start-up or small business owners with mentors who are experienced in their areas of need and can give them one-to-one advice and strategic advice on planning their business. Mentors are CEOs, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and founders with experience with developing businesses who move goods & services worldwide/between countries. Their areas of advice include:

• Business Strategy
• Financial planning
• Sales and marketing
• Market Research
• Intellectual property (such as copy right law and trade marks) and compliance (abiding my the rules)

These are by application through your Local Enterprise Office. As well as the programmes and clinics that LEO run they also offer some financial support to people starting their own business.