There are many funding programmes for entrepreneurs opening throughout the year, and as the country re-opens there are more grants being offered to help support SMEs during the Covid period.
Below are a selection of some the current funds and supports open for applications.
Acorns: the accelerator focused on supporting early stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland is now open for applications. 50 new participants will be selected this year. Enter here ahead of the September 21 deadline.
Apprenticeships: a new apprenticeship incentivisation scheme is now open for employers who will receive a €3000 incentive payment for each new apprentice. Check out www.apprenticeship.ie for more information.
The Equality Fund: RethinkIreland is inviting applications for its Equality Fund - which has 3 million euro in monies - from now until September 14. The fund wants to support projects that empower women, communities and equality. Check out RethinkIreland here
Fáilte Ireland Covid – 19 Adaption Fund: Supporting tourism and hospitality businesses who have incurred adaptation costs in order to re-open safely. Available grants up to €15,000 open for applications until 8 October 2020. Find details here
Covid-91 Online Retail Scheme: Competitive fund through Enterprise Ireland for Irish-owned retailers to develop their online offering. Awards are 80% of their project costs – maximum grants of €40,000. The call for applications opens Monday, August 31, 2020 and closes Monday, September 28 at 3pm. For all the information click here
Enterprise Ireland Funds: For more on funding opportunities from EI click here
Enterprise Support Grant: Covid-19 support for micro enterprises. Restart grant of up to €1000 for those not liable for commercial rates. See here for more information.
Restart Grant Plus: Extra support is being provided for enterprises that could not access the original grant scheme, including rateable sports businesses and trading charity shops. Non-rated B&Bs will be eligible for a grant payment of €4,000. For more information on the newly revised scheme click here
