Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Enterprise Ireland work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. In this way, they support sustainable economic growth, regional development and secure employment

In the Midlands Region, Enterprise Ireland support 207 companies, employing over 11,500 people.

Working with Enterprise Ireland in the Midlands

The range of services is extensive, from funding, to making introductions in key international markets.

Funding supports – a range of supports, for start-ups, expansion plans, and R&D business plans.
Export assistance – including the provision of in-market services, local market information and the facilities of our international office network.
Supports to develop competitiveness – helping companies to become leaner to make them more competitive in international markets.
Incentives to stimulate in-company R&D – new product, service and process development to ensure sustainability, and growth through the evolution of products and services.
Assistance with R&D collaboration – with research institutions, to develop and bring to market new technologies, products or processes.
Connections and introductions to customers overseas – we provide access to a global network of contacts – from heads of government to end customers.

The key goal for Enterprise Ireland is the achievement of export sales growth from Irish-owned companies. All services are geared toward helping Irish companies win international sales.

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing is at the heart of enterprise in the Midlands region. With many FDI and indigenous businesses attracted to the manufacturing base across the 4 counties. 23,000 people in the region are employed in the sector, which represents 18% of the workforce (national figure 12.5%).

ICT Cluster

The Midlands continues to attracted ICT businesses due to central location and a strong talent pool of ICT graduates, with the sector now prioritised as an area of smart specialisation for the region. Large employers such as Ericsson in Athlone have been joined by a rapidly expanding network of start-ups, bringing innovation across the ICT sector.

Engineering

The Midlands Engineering Network, Engenuity, was established in 2017 as an exchange forum where members can build links, share experiences and undertake joint commercial activity. The cluster is based on the knowledge that Engineering firms thrive when they work to support each other.

Food and Drink

The objective for the Midlands Food and Drink Strategy is to create a unique food and drink eco-system where local people are proud of their local produce, where companies have the capabilities and supports to create world-class hospitality and product experiences, where scaling and exporting is enabled, whilst respecting nature and our environment.