Market Explorer Grant

About this scheme

The Market Explorer Grant helps small, first-time or small-scale exporters carry out essential market research and develop viable market entry strategies for new geographic markets. It supports either exploring a new geographic market for an existing product or service, or an existing geographic market for a new product or service, funding up to €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs, whichever is lower.

Eligible costs include market research, in-market consultancy, trade fair attendance and exhibition, and overseas travel and subsistence. Applicants must show a demonstrated intention to internationalise — for example by completing an Export Accelerator or similar LEO Exporter Programme, having an internationalisation plan, or already exporting on a small scale with room to grow. Applicants are strongly advised to discuss their proposal with a Local Enterprise Office before applying, and must submit their application before any project expenditure is incurred.

Who can apply

• Must be a small enterprise with 1 to 50 paid employees
• Must operate as a manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services business, be solvent (per supplied financial statements), and hold current Revenue tax clearance
• Must not currently be a client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA
• Must operate commercially and be established, registered, and trading for at least 12 months within the area of a Local Enterprise Office
• Must demonstrate an intention to internationalise, shown by: having completed an Export Accelerator or similar LEO Exporter Programme; having developed an internationalisation plan; or having initial small-scale exports (suggested as under €10,000) that can be increased
• Support applies to exploring either a new geographic market for an existing product/service, or an existing geographic market for a new product/service
• Eligible costs: market research, in-market consultancy, trade fair attendance and exhibition, overseas travel and subsistence
• Ineligible costs: research into expanding activities within the Republic of Ireland; research into existing markets for existing products; export aid activities such as setting up an overseas office or distribution network, or costs that would subsidise the unit cost of the final product/service; and direct sales and marketing activities
• Application must be submitted before any project expenditure is incurred or project activity commences

How to apply

1. 1Discuss your Market Explorer Grant proposal with your Local Enterprise Office before applying (strongly recommended).
2. 2Prepare evidence of your intention to internationalise (e.g. completion of an Export Accelerator/LEO Exporter Programme, an internationalisation plan, or existing small-scale exports) and confirm your business meets the eligibility criteria.
3. 3Submit your application to the Local Enterprise Office before committing to, ordering, purchasing, contracting for, or commencing any element of the project.