Dreamer

Entrepeneur

Start Your Own Business

Have a great idea or spotted a gap in the market but are not quite sure how to get it off the ground? There's a lot of support at UCD and beyond for startups and small businesses.

Check out our new UCD Entrepreneurship Guide below!

Find out what supports are available to you at UCD and beyond and read about UCD students and graduates who are business founders and innovators.

Here are some more helpful resources:

  • NovaUCD - As part of the UCD Research and Innovation unit NovaUCD is the hub of innovation-related activities at the University.
  • UCD Innovation Academy - Provides a transformational education experience for the betterment of society and the economy, offering modules to undergraduate and graduate students at UCD.
  • Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs -  a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Local Enterprise Office - offering expertise, know-how and financial support to Irish businesses, enabling them to grow and thrive. 
  • Enterprise Ireland - the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.
  • Inter Trade Ireland - helping SMEs across the island by offering practical cross-border business funding, information, advice and support.
  • Irish Student Entrepreneurship Forum - an initiative working to foster a stronger and more successful culture of entrepreneurship among students
  • Citizens Information - supports available to help you with planning, getting set up and funding and finance.

You could also check out your bank’s business startup web pages and your local area partnerships and Enterprise Centres, which are excellent for networking opportunities and support.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board (DLRCEB) is your ‘local’ enterprise board if you are a UCD student. The Board works with aspiring entrepreneurs and provides complimentary supports which can help you to acquire new skills, access specialist advice and receive training. See more information at www.localenterprise.ie/DLR