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Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund

The Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund helps Irish businesses explore and validate opportunities in new global markets. From initial market research to the development of go-to-market strategies and execution planning, LOCOMOTIVE partners with you every step of the way to maximise this funding and accelerate your export growth.

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Unlock funding
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Accelerate B2B Export Growth
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Where Digital Strategy, Creative, and Data Work as One
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Partner with LOCOMOTIVE Today
icon
Unlock funding
icon
Accelerate B2B Export Growth
icon
Where Digital Strategy, Creative, and Data Work as One
icon
Partner with LOCOMOTIVE Today

What Is the Market Discovery Fund?

The Market Discovery Fund is a government-supported funding program designed to help Enterprise Ireland client companies:
  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsResearch and validate new export markets
  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsDevelop go-to-market plans
  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsMitigate financial risk in early-stage international expansion
  • Funding of up to €150,000 is available
  • Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
  • Suitable for companies ready to expand into new geographic markets or launch new offerings internationally

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund, companies must:

  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsBe an Enterprise Ireland client company
  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsHave an ambition to grow export sales
  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsDemonstrate commitment to market research and strategic planning
  • Elevate internal digital marketing skillsBe entering a new international market or launching a new solution in an existing international market

Not sure if your project qualifies?


Through collaboration, our team ensures your business optimises the Market Discovery Fund.

Grant Pre-Planning & Scope Definition
  • Opportunity assessment in new international markets
  • Budget & activity planning to align with grant requirements
Market Research & Strategy Development
  • Competitor analysis, customer profiling, buyer journey mapping
  • Go-to-market strategy development
  • Channel & partner identification
Application & Reporting
  • End-to-end support through the grant application process
  • Templates, documentation and reporting assistance

Results That Speak for Themselves

We have helped hundreds of Enterprise Ireland client companies across multiple B2B sectors to:

  • Strategic market insights that reduce go-to-market risk
  • Clear, actionable export roadmaps aligned with commercial goals
  • Accelerated access to qualified opportunities in new countries
  • Sustainable value through knowledge transfer and internal capability building

Why Choose LOCOMOTIVE?

  • 15+ years working with Enterprise Ireland clients
  • Trusted Advisors in B2B Marketing & Export Strategy
  • Deep Expertise Across Tech, MedTech, Manufacturing, Engineering, B2B Services and More
  • Full Lifecycle Support: from grant application to strategy & execution
European Facade Systems Manufacturer
North American enquiries increased by 300% within 24 months of strategy launch

How It Works


Working with LOCOMOTIVE ensures clarity and momentum throughout the grant process.
1
Initial Discovery Share your export growth objectives and assess high-potential markets.
2
Define Funding Scope Identify the most appropriate project structure to meet Market Discovery Fund criteria.
3
Application Assistance We help build a strong application, including business case and detailed activity breakdown.
4
Execute the Strategy. Train your team, launch international campaigns.Strategy Delivery Development of market-entry or market-research strategies tailored to your export offering.
5
Implementation & Support Optional support in executing research activities, partner mapping and localisation strategy.
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What can the Market Discovery Fund be used for?
The Enterprise Ireland Market Discovery Fund can be used to fund activities that support your entry or expansion into new international markets. This includes market research, strategic planning, competitive analysis, partner identification, and even salary or consultancy costs related to export-focused roles. LOCOMOTIVE helps you prioritise and structure these activities to align with the funding criteria and maximise your return on investment.
Can LOCOMOTIVE help with the funding application process?
Yes! We offer full support throughout your Market Discovery Fund application, including defining the scope of your project, building a compelling business case, outlining a detailed activity timeline, and preparing required documentation. With over 15 years of experience supporting Enterprise Ireland client companies, we know exactly what’s needed for a strong submission – and how to move from application to execution seamlessly.
How do I know if my business is eligible for the Market Discovery Fund?
To qualify, you must be an Enterprise Ireland client company with the ambition and capacity to grow export sales. Your business should be looking to explore a new geographic market or launch a new product or service in an existing international market. If you're unsure whether your project fits, LOCOMOTIVE can help you assess your eligibility and advise on the best strategic approach for your funding application.
What Our Clients Say"The LOCOMOTIVE team helped us navigate the Market Discovery Fund seamlessly from strategy creation to partner assessment setting us up for long-term success in a the North American market."

Sales Director, Dublin Based SaaS Company

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