Overview of the Enterprise Ireland Mentor Network
The Enterprise Ireland Mentor Network was established to help companies identify and overcome obstacles to growth. Mentors in our network can provide tailored advice, guidance and support, to help you accelerate growth and build management capability.
Mentors are senior executives, drawn from the private sector, with a proven track record in business. They act as a confidential sounding board, advising your company on key operational and strategic issues.
The Network is regularly refreshed with CEOs and senior executives with high levels of achievement and with proven skills in marketing, strategic development, organisation development, R&D, funding and first-time exporting across the software, services, life sciences, environment, food and consumer products sectors.
Companies approved for a Mentor assignment are presented with a shortlist of experienced suitable Mentors, the final choice of Mentor is the company’s. If you have a number of issues, for example in both finance and production, and need different skills to overcome these issues, more than one Mentor can be involved in an assignment. Every effort is made to match the Mentor to the specific needs of your company.
What is involved in a Mentor assignment?
- A mentoring assignment consists of 5-10 visits from a Mentor over a 6-12 month period.
- Companies choose a Mentor from a short-list of Mentors with the experience to meet their stated needs.
- The goals and objectives are established by the client in agreement with the Mentor at the start of the assignment.
- All Mentors sign a strict confidentiality agreement with Enterprise Ireland (a copy of this agreement is available below).
Am I eligible?
You are eligible to apply for this funding if you are:
- A manufacturing or internationally traded services SME company employing 10-249 people.
- A new High Potential Start-up (HPSU) company.
What level of funding is available?
- Grant support toward costs of mentor for up to 10 sessions; maximum eligible cost of €175 per visit (total €1,750)
- The company is required to authorise Enterprise Ireland to pay the per visit fees directly to the Mentor on its behalf.
How do I apply?
All applications for funding should be discussed with your Enterprise Ireland Adviser prior to submission.
Apply via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
Prior to applying you must do the following:
- Contact your assigned Development Adviser to discuss your application.
- First time applicants will be required to register on the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application will not be eligible for grant aid.
Call close dates?
The Mentor Programme is open for applications all year round.
How do I apply to become a Mentor on the Mentor Panel?
New mentors are recruited in line with client needs and consideration is given to the applicants’ skill-set, client demand for those skills and whether or not there are gaps in the mentor panel. For more information, contact any member of the Mentor Team.
Key contact/more information?
For general enquiries about the Mentor Network, contact the Mentor Team:
 | Mentor Team Tel: +353 1 727 2928 or 727 2867 |