Funded Programmes

Enterprise Ireland Market Research Grant

If your business has been affected by recent US trade tariffs, Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Grant is here to support your next move. Designed to help exporters identify and validate new international opportunities, this grant funds structured research to inform smarter decisions and reduce risk when entering a new market.

At LOCOMOTIVE, we work with Irish businesses to turn disruption into growth. We help you apply with confidence, plan a research strategy that delivers commercial insight, and use funding to drive purposeful market discovery.

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 Research Grant?

The Market Research Grant provides financial support to Irish exporters impacted by tariff-related trade changes, such as US tariffs on key goods and services. It helps businesses assess new market opportunities or fill important knowledge gaps in current ones.

Through this grant, companies can gather robust insight on buyers, competitors, channels, regulations and market demand before investing further time or resources.

Whether you are entering a new region or reevaluating existing market plans, this grant supports structured insight that strengthens your export strategy.

Eligible activities include:

Overseas market visits
Attendance at industry trade fairs or events
Engagement with market research consultants
Customer discovery, interviews, and surveys
Competitor research and pricing analysis
Secondary research using reports, databases, or analytics tools

Funding of up to €35,000 is available
Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
Ideal for businesses affected by recent US trade tariffs

Who Is Eligible?

The Market Research Grant was introduced in response to the impact of US tariffs on Irish exporters. It is a targeted support for companies facing commercial disruption and needing to explore alternative opportunities.

Export-focused Irish companies affected by global trade changes
Businesses looking to pivot into new markets after exposure to tariffs
Teams seeking to understand customer behaviour, market size or route-to-market options in greater depth
Enterprise Ireland client companies and potential clients

Not sure if you’r eligible?

Talk to us today

What Does the Grant Cover?

The Market Research Grant supports businesses by covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant amount of €35,000. This funding can be applied to both desk-based analysis and in-market research, helping companies make informed decisions as they explore new opportunities.

Eligible costs include:

Strategic and sector-specific consultancy
Travel and accommodation for overseas research
Research tools, data platforms, and third-party reports
Local discovery including interviews or surveys
Internal or external resources directly related to the research plan

How We Help You Succeed

At LOCOMOTIVE, we help ambitious Irish companies rethink and refine their market strategy through funded support. With deep experience in positioning, market entry, and digital validation, we guide you through every step.

We focus on making your research not only eligible for funding, but also commercially useful and applicable in real business growth scenarios.

Pre-Application Support

Initial consultation and eligibility assessment
Guidance on project scope and funding potential
Building a strong, fundable application for Enterprise Ireland

Research Development

Defining the scope of your market research
Identifying your objectives and target markets
Executing or supporting research activities in line with grant criteria
Turning insights into strategy you can use to enter your next market effectively

Ready to build your next market?

If your business has been affected by US tariffs or international trade disruption, now is the time to reframe your export strategy with robust insight. The Market Research Grant helps fund that journey, and LOCOMOTIVE is here to help you lead it well.

Get started

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Market Research Grant?

The grant supports Irish businesses that have been impacted by trade disruption, such as US tariffs. It helps fund market research to identify and validate opportunities in new or existing markets.

Who can apply for the grant?

Irish companies that are either Enterprise Ireland clients or eligible to become clients. This includes businesses across all sectors that export, or plan to export, and have been commercially affected by international market barriers.

What does the grant cover?

Up to 50% of eligible research costs, with a maximum funding amount of €35,000. This includes consultant fees, travel expenses, customer interviews, competitor research and industry data.

Can I apply if I have never exported before?

Yes. The grant is suitable for both experienced and early-stage exporters, especially those evaluating their first international market entry.

Does my research need to focus on the United States?

No. While the grant was introduced in response to US tariffs, funding is intended to help businesses explore or reassess any market where new opportunities may exist.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times can vary depending on your application. Starting early and clearly defining your research goals will help speed up approvals. LOCOMOTIVE can help guide you through that process smoothly.

Ready to Expand Internationally?

We’ve helped 100+ B2B companies enter new markets across the globe. Let us do the same for you.
Fill in the form or call us directly at 091 739450 to speak to one of our experienced team members.

Insights from the Engine Room

See all articles

Growth Strategy What is the potential market size for your product or service?

Brand Why Run a Value Proposition Workshop?

Growth Strategy The Importance of Market Segmentation