Running a business today is more difficult than ever. Owners face challenges ranging from staff shortages and rising costs to new regulations and environmental responsibilities. While many of these factors are outside a business owner’s control, one area where real influence can be exerted is the pace of technology adoption.
For small businesses, digitalisation is no longer optional. Using email, smartphones, or spreadsheets was once enough to stay competitive, but the pace of change has accelerated. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and integrated digital systems are now reshaping industries at every level. Historically, falling behind on technology affected efficiency and made life more difficult, falling behind today risks competitiveness and survival.
The good news is that there are a wide range of state supports available to help companies of all sizes in Ireland on their digital journey. These supports take different forms, from consultancy and mentoring to direct grants and innovation projects. Despite the heavy marketing and promotion of these programmes, many small companies remain unaware of what’s on offer or how to access it.
This article sets out the main programmes supporting technology adoption, so you can explore what works best for your business.
Understanding State Aid and de minimis Rules: Most digitalisation supports fall under EU state aid rules, specifically the de minimis regulation, which caps the amount of aid a company can receive at €300,000 over three fiscal years. Larger companies are generally well tuned into these rules and make sure to maximise their de minimis allocation.
Smaller businesses often miss out. Many of the same programmes and funding allowances are open to SMEs, yet awareness is low and applications are fewer. While bigger firms fully leverage state supports, many smaller businesses are leaving valuable assistance supports untapped.
Digital for Business: The Digital for Business programme is delivered by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and is now open to companies with up to 50 staff. It provides tailored consultancy to help businesses review existing digital systems, identify gaps, and select innovative tools to improve efficiency. Best of all, it’s fully funded.
The Grow Digital Grant: The Grow Digital Grant offers part-funding for off-the-shelf software and implementation support. This can cover areas like customer relationship management (CRM), stock management, or online sales platforms. While the business covers part of the cost, the grant makes it more feasible to invest in transformative tools.
MentorsWork: Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not technology but confidence. The MentorsWork programme run by the Small Firms Association (SFA) in partnership with Skillnet Ireland matches small businesses with expert mentors who provide one-to-one guidance. Mentors help owners assess options, build skills, and navigate choices. This personalised support can be vital, especially for those unsure where to start.
For companies that are Enterprise Ireland (EI) clients, additional supports are available:
EI Digital Discovery helps businesses explore opportunities for digitalisation, assess feasibility, and develop a roadmap.
EI Digital Process Innovation focuses on projects that improve operational efficiency and competitiveness through new digital processes.
European Digital Innovation Hubs: Ireland is part of the EU’s European Digital Innovation Hubs network, which connects businesses with expertise, test-before-invest opportunities, and collaborative projects. These hubs are particularly useful for SMEs that want to experiment with cutting-edge technologies or need specialist support.
The National Enterprise Hub: If you’re unsure where to start, the National Enterprise Hub acts as a central point of information on all the different supports available. It can guide you to the right programme for your business.
It’s important to note that companies cannot be clients of both a Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland at the same time. However, there are pathways to progression. A company may begin as an LEO client, avail of Digital for Business, the Grow Digital Grant, and MentorsWork, before later “graduating” to Enterprise Ireland for more advanced supports such as Digital Process Innovation or access to European Digital Innovation Hubs. Supports are there, but they only work if businesses take the initiative to use them. Whether it’s starting small with a mentoring programme, upgrading with a grant, or exploring innovation through a hub, there’s a pathway for every company.
Digitalisation isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about reshaping how your business operates, competes, and grows. Every step towards digitalisation builds resilience and the sooner you begin, the stronger your business becomes for the challenges ahead. For further information visit www.leanbpi.ie.
About LeanBPI
LeanBPI specialises in assisting Irish SMEs to integrate digital solutions for improved business efficiency. We help companies identify the correct software solutions, facilitate seamless integration, automate processes, and, when needed, develop bespoke solutions tailored to unique business challenges.
JOHN O`SHANAHAN Consultant, Lean BPI
