John O’Shanahan from LeanBPI outlines the grants, lean and digital supports Irish SMEs can use to cut costs, improve efficiency and stay competitive in uncertain times.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” A common phrase that quietly reinforces complacency. For many SME owners, it becomes a familiar excuse for standing still while the digital world continues to evolve.
The real issue isn’t that something is broken – it’s that small business owners often don’t have the time or outside perspective to see what “better” actually looks like. And you can’t improve what you can’t see.
“SMEs have always faced challenges, but in recent years those pressures have intensified”
What many SMEs don’t realise is that there are a multitude of grants and supports available to help them through this process.
From lean to digital, these supports are designed to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen overall competitiveness. And they’re important now, more than ever.
SMEs have always faced challenges, but in recent years those pressures have intensified. Covid upended operations overnight, the war in Ukraine sent costs spiralling, and now, fresh uncertainty from the Gulf is adding further strain to margins and supply chains. These challenges are real but the businesses that stop and reflect, reassess how their business is operating and look for a better way of doing things are the ones most likely to adapt and overcome.
The good news? SMEs don’t have to figure this out alone, and they don’t have to pay full price for it either. There are a range of supports available – no matter what industry you’re in or what stage your business is at.
Lean for Business
For businesses with fewer than 50 employees, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) runs Lean for Business, helping thousands of Irish SMEs take a structured look at how they work to make practical, lasting improvements. This programme equips business owners with the tools and thinking to operate differently – they’re not a quick fix, but a better way of working. What makes this programme particularly valuable is that up to 90% of funding is available. The first step is to talk to your nearest Local Enterprise Office. For full eligibility criteria, visit the website.
Digital for Business
Alongside Lean, the Digital for Business programme provides up to three days of funded consultancy to assess small businesses digital readiness and identify where technology can add real value. In the past, it has helped small businesses improve performance, eliminate paperwork, reduce time spent on administrative tasks, and ease the overall stress of running a business. Again, the first step is to speak to your nearest Local Enterprise Office, who can guide you through the process.
Grow Digital Voucher
The Grow Digital Voucher is designed to provide financial assistance to SMEs embracing digital technology. It offers up to €5,000 to invest in new software or training, helping businesses streamline operations and improve productivity through the use of digital tools.
MentorsWork
MentorsWork is a 12-week business support programme offered by the Small Firms Association, in partnership with Skillnet Ireland and Ibec. It connects small businesses with experienced mentors who can guide them through the challenges specific to their sector, helping SMEs in Ireland to sustain and improve their business. Small businesses can register their interest here.
Enterprise Ireland’s Lean Start programme
For qualifying businesses, Enterprise Ireland’s Lean Start programme is a short, focused, grant-supported programme that introduces businesses to lean thinking by identifying waste, improving processes, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement through expert coaching.
The Digital Discovery programme and Digital Process Innovation Fund
The Digital Discovery programme helps companies plan a more advanced digital adoption roadmap. For those ready to take a significant step forward, the Digital Process Innovation fund supports the implementation of new production or delivery methods, covering both internal team costs and external expertise, with up to 50% grant funding available.
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)
For those exploring new technologies, the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) offer fully funded, expert-led support to test and apply new tools before committing to significant investment. Four hubs are now operational in Ireland with a clear message: test before you invest.
What’s worth noting is that many of these supports fall under De Minimis State Aid rules – meaning a business can receive up to €300,000 in total State support over a rolling three-year period. So, for SMEs working across multiple programmes, the capacity to draw down support is greater than many realise.
At the end of the day, there is a pathway for every business. Whether starting with the Local Enterprise Office, scaling with Enterprise Ireland, or going further through the EDIHs, SMEs have an opportunity to take meaningful action and improve how they operate – turning challenges into lasting, structural change.
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Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
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For support in challenging times, click here
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