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.

Unlock funding

Accelerate B2B Export Growth

Where Digital Strategy, Creative, and Data Work as One

Partner with LOCOMOTIVE Today

Unlock funding

Accelerate B2B Export Growth

Where Digital Strategy, Creative, and Data Work as One

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:

Research and validate new export markets
Develop go-to-market plans
Mitigate 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:

Be an Enterprise Ireland client company
Have an ambition to grow export sales
Demonstrate commitment to market research and strategic planning
Be entering a new international market or launching a new solution in an existing international market

Not sure if your project qualifies?

Talk to us today

How We Help You Succeed

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.

Initial Discovery

Share your export growth objectives and assess high-potential markets.

Define Funding Scope

Identify the most appropriate project structure to meet Market Discovery Fund criteria.

Application Assistance

We help build a strong application, including business case and detailed activity breakdown.

Execute the Strategy. Train your team, launch international campaigns.Strategy Delivery

Development of market-entry or market-research strategies tailored to your export offering.

Implementation & Support

Optional support in executing research activities, partner mapping and localisation strategy.

Unlock International Growth Opportunities

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FAQs

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.

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.

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.

Trusted by Leading Companies

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