IDA Ireland Business Development Programme

IDA Ireland Business Development Programme

Supports strategic digital transformation planning for multinational enterprises in Ireland through IDA-funded consultancy assistance.

IDA Ireland's Business Development Programme (BDP) funds the consultant costs incurred by IDA client multinationals when developing a Strategic Digital Transformation Programme for their Irish operations. The grant covers a case-by-case percentage of eligible consultant fees up to a maximum of €300,000, with individual consultant day rates capped at €1,500 per day. Eligible consultant work encompasses defining digitalisation goals, mapping current and future-state key business processes, assessing existing IT systems, creating an architectural blueprint, producing a technology roadmap, providing high-level cost estimates, and delivering project management, data cleansing, and change management resources.

The programme is open at any time — there is no application deadline and no published call cycle. IDA client companies can apply by contacting their IDA Project Executive or IDA's Talent Development and Digitalisation team directly. The process requires the client leadership team to complete an application form, select an IDA-approved consultant, and commit to working through the agreed programme until completion. The funding percentage is approved on a case-by-case basis; €300,000 is the ceiling, not a guaranteed figure. Eligible consultants must be on IDA's approved panel.

The BDP is one component of IDA's broader suite of operational support programmes, which also includes RD&I grants, training grants, Go Green sustainability supports, and Lean Digitalisation offers. It is exclusively available to foreign-owned multinationals in IDA Ireland's client portfolio; indigenous Irish companies are not eligible. The programme reflects IDA's 2025–2029 strategic priority of deepening the strategic footprint of multinational operations in Ireland through technology adoption and digital capability development. IDA's overall annual grant programme runs at approximately €100 million across all investment support categories.