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Business Explorer

The Business Explorer programme can provide the critical funding to small businesses as they start their journey of innovation or develop industry solutions allowing them to take their business to the next level.

What is Business Explorer?

We help SMEs tackle business challenges and develop new ideas in science, engineering, and technology through the Business Explorer programme. This initiative provides early-stage guidance and support by funding academic professionals or industry specialists to explore innovative solutions. We can then continue to fund these experts as they help you to implement their findings and nurture a culture of innovation within your business.

Business Explorer Supports

The Business Explorer programme can help you explore the best way forward within your business to effect change through Innovative solutions.

There are levels of funding within the Business Explorer programme. You can apply initially for Explore, which will give you access to specialist support through an academic or industry specialist to begin to explore the challenges within your business or the idea you would like to develop. You can progress from Explore to Plan to continue working with an academic or industry specialist to develop a plan to integrate the solution or new idea into your business.

If you're not sure where to start, register for a one-to-one information session today with our Business Explorer team.

What is a one-to-one session?

A one-to-one session is the opportunity to meet with our team to discuss how Business Explorer can help your business overcome a technical challenge or take your innovative idea to the next level.

Why choose Business Explorer?

Up to 23 days of academic / specialist support.
Get access to academic and industry specialists.
Get financial support to explore and plan solutions.
Find innovative solutions for process improvements and new product development.
Collaborate with experts from different jurisdictions.
Access more innovation funding and support with initiatives like Innovation Boost.
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What can your business expect to achieve from Business Explorer?

  • Identification of technical solutions to current business challenges or ideas
  • Development of a robust plan for implementing innovative technologies, products, or processes
  • Enhanced business agility, operational efficiency, and sustainability
  • Begin to embed an innovation culture into your business
  • Begin to increase your competitiveness and potential for growth in the market

How to apply

If your business meets the eligibility criteria, please fill out an application form to work with an academic or industry specialist.

Or if you're not sure where to start, register for a one-to-one information session today with our Business Explorer team.

Are you an Academic Specialist?

InterTradeIreland is seeking expressions of interest from leading academics and industry specialist to join us in a venture supporting businesses on their innovation journeys. If you're an expert excited to drive transformative business change and work with SMEs across the island, express your interest.