Best Small Business Ideas to Start in Ireland 2025

Table of contents

• What’s the best idea for a small business in Ireland?
• Small business government grants & support in Ireland
• Challenges and considerations when starting a small business

Whether you’ve called Ireland home for many years or are looking to move as your next big adventure, the Emerald Isle is a great place to start a business.

But don’t just take our word for it. The country has one of the fastest-growing advanced economies in the world and is a popular choice for investors. Ireland’s average household net wealth ranks above the average in the OECD, and according to the Global Benchmark Complexity Index, it’s one of the easiest places in the world to do business.

So, if your sights are set on becoming your own boss and starting a small business in 2025, there are few places better than Ireland.

What’s the best idea for a small business in Ireland?

As attractive as Ireland is, not every business will succeed. There are several questions to ask yourself. Most importantly, what kind of business are you going to begin there? The best small business ideas for Ireland will be tailored to the unique economic conditions.

Here are some of the most profitable small business ideas in Ireland:

1. Consulting

In short, consulting is the act of helping individuals or organisations to improve their performance in certain areas. Often, this comes in the form of problem-solving, facilitating learning, and making meaningful, permanent improvements to client effectiveness. The global industry is valued at $250 billion, which speaks for its demand.

Moving from employee to boss is simpler than in many industries, as you’ll be used to working independently. There are a few ways to begin, and as a professional, you should have the benefit of an established network. However, make sure you check your contract to make sure you’re not breaching any rules. Consider your speciality, which industries require your services, plus practical considerations such as set-up costs and how to register your business. Your next move will mostly depend on your specialities and the opportunities in your network.

Offering online consultancy services has many benefits; you have a diverse customer base across a range of projects, meaning you can take your experience with you wherever you travel. It gives you access to many clients and companies, provides you with a large network, and is applicable to every industry.

2. Fitness

Fitness business ideas create the opportunity to be your own boss without relying on geography. With the right technology, you can take your business and experience wherever you want.

The fitness industry is a global market worth an estimated $96.7bn USD. This sector has a few avenues, such as becoming an online personal trainer or coach for a particular sport. If you have established networks, it’s all the easier. It’s an incredibly personal market, too, meaning your approach to fitness and your branding can make a big difference. You may consider working from a gym, booking time on the court, or perhaps creating your own venue. You could do home visits, design classes on YouTube, or run events outside. Some methods could reduce overheads and set your service apart.

Fitness services provide the opportunity to launch your own business without being restricted by location. Ireland’s fitness market continues to expand, creating opportunities for personal trainers, fitness coaches, or online fitness instructors.

With growing consumer awareness of health and wellbeing, the fitness industry in Ireland is increasingly attractive. With an estimated 184.59 million gym memberships globally, there is ample opportunity for new fitness professionals to enter the market in Ireland. Innovative approaches such as online classes, personalised training, and niche fitness products can set your business apart and tap into this robust and expanding market.

3. Marketing and advertising

Marketing is a diverse skill with many subsets — many digital channels are ripe with small business ideas. The concept of marketing is the promotion of a product or service, though the scope for this is wide. That means there’s lots of opportunity and demand. With a little know-how and imagination, carving out an innovative niche is possible. Marketing start-ups also require little investment. Experience in this sector could help you secure clients or find opportunities when transitioning to self-employment.

You may want to consider what sets you apart. What kind of projects do you enjoy? Do you have a working relationship with older clients? While this can be done from your own home, an office presence might be needed down the line. Finally, do you want to start a small agency or work as a freelancer? These choices will affect how you choose to lay out the structure for your small business idea.

While there are many ways to approach marketing, there’s one certainty — marketing is a growing industry. In fact, the Irish advertising market is expected to grow 7.3 per cent to €1.7 billion in 2025. This shows marketing’s adaptability and relevance, making it a relatively safe bet wherever you are and however you like to work.

4. Life sciences

In its simplest terms, life sciences study living organisms and processes. It’s sometimes trickier to branch out into creating your own small business in this field since many career paths will lead you to work with big companies, schools, or hospitals. With the right ideas, however, the Irish market can be highly lucrative.

That said, there are many paths. First, decide what kind of role suits you and define your locations — will you be launching in Limerick or taking advantage of the academic institutions in Dublin?

Some of the best small business ideas in life sciences are creative and respond to the needs of long-established firms. One practical avenue could be in editing or technical writing, for instance. Likewise, marketing yourself as a skilled freelancer in an advisory or consultancy role could give you the autonomy you require — but be prepared to shout about your credentials.

Ireland’s life sciences sector is thriving, with over 300 medtech companies employing approximately 40,000 people nationwide. Medtech exports from Ireland exceed €13 billion annually, representing 8% of the country’s total exports. This sector enjoys strong government backing, and while manufacturing remains a cornerstone, there is growing investment in research and development—providing abundant opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs.

5. Technology

Ireland is renowned as a global tech hub, making technology businesses particularly attractive. The technology sector in Ireland covers a wide range of areas including IT, app development, e-commerce, broadcasting, machinery, and consumer electronics like TVs, computers, and cameras. It’s an exciting field that’s continuously evolving, making it an ideal space for innovative entrepreneurs.

Ireland’s technology industry is particularly strong, with its digital sector valued at around $50 billion, accounting for approximately 13 per cent of the country’s GDP. This significant presence creates numerous opportunities, particularly for those with specialist or niche skills.

Technology services are in constant demand due to the ongoing need for innovation and the increasing reliance on digital solutions. As a tech entrepreneur, you can explore various paths, such as advisory roles, specialised training, app development, or other service-based opportunities. With many companies prioritising digital transformation and customer experience, Ireland presents ample opportunities for tech-focused small businesses.

Small business government grants & support in Ireland

Starting a small business in Ireland can be expensive. The good news? Help is available. The Irish government actively encourages entrepreneurship by offering a range of financial support and business grants designed to assist new businesses during their critical startup phase. These include:

• Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grants: Grants, mentorship, training workshops, and networking opportunities specifically designed for startups and small businesses in Ireland.
• Enterprise Ireland Funding: Funding options and resources for innovative small businesses looking to scale and expand into international markets, including development grants and strategic growth assistance.
• Tax Relief Schemes: Financial incentives like the Startup Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE) scheme, which provides income tax refunds to qualifying entrepreneurs, and the Employment Investment Incentive (EII), offering tax relief for individuals investing in new businesses.

Taking advantage of these resources can significantly lower the financial hurdles associated with launching and scaling your business in Ireland.

Challenges and considerations when starting a small business in Ireland

Starting a business in Ireland can be rewarding, but it comes with challenges. Here are some important things to consider when getting started:

• Legal requirements: Register your business correctly, understand your tax responsibilities, comply with data protection laws (like GDPR), and know employment regulations.
• Market analysis: Do your research to understand your competitors, what products or services your potential customers want, and how your business can stand out. This research will also help you choose the right pricing strategy for your products or services based on market demand.
• Industry-specific rules: Some industries, such as healthcare, finance, food services, or construction, have special regulations you must follow or may require certain licences and permits.
• Operations and management: Set up simple, effective systems for bookkeeping, inventory management, technology needs, and hiring people to run your business smoothly.
• Funding and money management: Make sure you have enough money to start and sustain your business. Look into available grants and financial assistance options in Ireland.
• Choosing your location: Pick a location that’s convenient for customers and suitable for your type of business and the products or services you offer. Consider things like costs, accessibility, and zoning rules.
• Marketing and finding customers: Create a solid marketing plan using digital tools, social media, email marketing and community engagement to attract and keep customers.

Being prepared for these areas will help you successfully navigate your journey as a small business owner in Ireland.

Whether you’re a consultant, an online personal trainer, or an app developer, starting a business in Ireland is easier with support. Beyond the work itself, there is a lot to focus on, from e-commerce to payments and online advertising. Square makes running your business easier by offering fast and easy ways to accept payments, bring your store online, or accept invoices. So, whether you’re just starting or looking to streamline your processes, you can focus more energy on your work.

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