/> LEO Market Explorer Grant 2026: Up to €10,000 to Research an Export Market | The People's Pocket

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Home / Guides / LEO Market Explorer Grant

LEO Market Explorer Grant: up to €10,000 to explore export markets

Maximum

€10,000 or 50% of costs

Size1 to 50 paid employees
TradingAt least 12 months
The short answerIf your small business wants to start or grow exports, the Local Enterprise Office pays 50% of the cost up to €10,000 to research a new market: market research, consultancy in the market, trade fairs and overseas travel.

It is for small enterprises with 1 to 50 paid employees in manufacturing or internationally traded services, trading for at least 12 months, that are not Enterprise Ireland or IDA clients.

Quick facts

Maximum
€10,000 or 50% of costs
Size
1 to 50 paid employees
Trading
At least 12 months
Sectors
Manufacturing or internationally traded services
Not covered
Direct sales and marketing

How much

"The amount of the grant is to a maximum of €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs." It covers market research, in-market consultancy, trade fair attendance and exhibition, and overseas travel and subsistence.

Who can get it — the full rules

"The Market Explorer Grant is open to small enterprises (with between 1 and 50 paid employees) that meet the following criteria:" manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services, solvent, with tax clearance, not an Enterprise Ireland or IDA client, and trading for at least 12 months in the Local Enterprise Office's area.

You must show you intend to export: for example by completing the Export Accelerator or a similar programme, having an internationalisation plan, or already making small-scale exports.

What it doesn't cover

Research into the Irish market, or existing markets for existing products, is not covered, nor is setting up an overseas office or distribution network. "Direct Sales and Marketing activities cannot be supported."

How to apply

Talk to your Local Enterprise Office advisor before applying and before any spending.

Common questions

How much is the Market Explorer Grant?

Up to €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs.

Who can get the Market Explorer Grant?

Small manufacturing or internationally traded services businesses with 1 to 50 employees, trading for 12 months, that are not Enterprise Ireland or IDA clients.

Does it pay for sales or marketing?

No. It pays for researching the market, not for selling into it.

Source: Local Enterprise Office: Market Explorer Grant, read 18 October 2026. Every figure on this page is quoted from there. If it changes, this page is wrong until we fix it — tell us and we will.

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