No longer a box-ticking exercise, but a driver of competitive edge, sustainability efforts reduce operating costs, boost efficiency and open doors both at home and abroad.
To keep Irish businesses competing and scaling abroad, Enterprise Ireland offers fully funded training and education initiatives, such as the Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop and Sustainability Leaders Programme, developed in collaboration with Skillnet Ireland and delivered by Skillnet Climate Ready Academy.
Voya organic Irish skincare
These deliver practical outputs, including a sustainability plan, a collaborative peer network and best-practice insights and clarify Enterprise Ireland’s role in supporting successful sustainability implementation.
Complementing these programmes, Enterprise Ireland offers a full suite of supports designed to assist businesses with the costs of implementing sustainability projects and practices.
From strategy development to energy metering, capital investment in renewable energy, biodiversity or circular economy initiatives – whatever your sustainability ambitions – we can support them.
Many Irish companies are already achieving their sustainability goals and gaining a competitive edge.
Organic luxury skincare brand Voya found the programmes pivotal in equipping its leadership team with practical tools that continue to be used today. Together, they provided a strong foundation for Voya’s successful B Corp journey and the development of a robust internal sustainability strategy.
EI supports aren’t just for established companies
Enterprise Ireland’s supports aren’t just for established companies; start-up and scaling businesses are embracing sustainability in the early stages. Stingray Labs, a high-potential start-up, builds digital products to simplify complex legal and financial processes.
Enterprise Ireland’s training programmes invaluably shaped the start of their sustainability journey; broadening the team’s knowledge and shaping a UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-aligned action plan.
Exporting Irish businesses recognise sustainability is not just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s a key decision-making factor for potential public and private customers in international markets.
As EU and global sustainability regulations and procurement requirements evolve, 85pc of Irish exporters now say sustainability is a daily priority (DETE SME Sustainability Research, November 2024).
Creating a more sustainable company not only achieves compliance it can help you reduce costs, streamline operations and strengthen resilience – ultimately driving stronger performance.
With tailored strategies and expert guidance, Enterprise Ireland guides your business and incorporates sustainable practices into your operations – and you reap the rewards.
Sustainability is more than an opportunity – it is the linchpin for Ireland to achieve our national climate targets
Taking place from January to May 2026, the Sustainability Kickstarter is a series of fully funded online, half-day workshops.
They provide pragmatic skills and a meaningful understanding of sustainability, while highlighting the opportunities for your business.
Starting in mid-January, the Sustainability Leaders Programme is a 10-week online course for Enterprise Ireland clients. Springboarding from the basics, it offers robust support to those responsible for developing sustainability strategies and embedding them into the core of your business.
Sustainability is more than an opportunity – it is the linchpin for Ireland to achieve our national climate targets and sustain our global competitive advantage.
Learn about the programmes and funding options at www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/sustainability or email green@enterprise-ireland.com.
Ali Nolan is a Senior Client Solutions Specialist at Enterprise Ireland