InterTradeIreland is a cross-border body dedicated to supporting small businesses across the island of Ireland by enhancing their cross-border trade capabilities. Established in 1999, InterTradeIreland is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and the Department for the Economy (DFE).
As an approved InterTradeIreland consultant, SalesPlus has been helping micro businesses and SMEs for over a decade to leverage cross-border trading opportunities and grow their export potential.
The Benefits of Cross-Border Trade
Expanding your business across the border provides access to a market that’s right on your doorstep. Trading between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland opens up significant opportunities for growth, offering a larger customer base, increased revenue potential, and the chance to diversify your market. InterTradeIreland's SME funding supports make it easier for companies to tap into this market, helping you overcome initial barriers and set up a successful cross-border operation. These funding supports are provided in the form of two different programmes, depending on your business needs.
Trade Export Pathway Programme
The Trade Export Pathway Programme is designed to assist SMEs at various stages of their cross-border journey. Whether you’re new to cross-border trade or looking to expand your current operations, this programme provides tailored support for each step:
Research: Funding is available for businesses to conduct market research, exploring key aspects such as market routes and opportunities. This step helps you plan your approach effectively.
Plan: For businesses needing a detailed cross-border sales and marketing plan, funding is provided to develop a strategic roadmap for entering the cross-border market.
Implement: Once you have a researched market opportunity and a sales plan, this level of funding assists with implementing the plan. This includes building sales leads, generating prospects, and strategic business planning.
As your consultant, SalesPlus can determine your eligibility, assist with application processes, and work closely with you to ensure successful project implementation.
Acumen Programme
The Acumen Programme focuses on strengthening your sales and marketing efforts. Funding is available to recruit skilled sales resources, either full-time or part-time, to achieve the following:
Develop an efficient cross-border sales strategy.
Build a growing sales pipeline.
Enhance understanding of cross-border trading.
Improve the skills of your management and sales teams.
Increase capability to recruit and manage sales talent.
Trade Hub and Trade Health Check
If you are looking to improve your understanding of the customs regulations and compliance issues involved in doing business with Ireland, Northern Ireland or Great Britain, SalesPlus can provide your business with a Trade Health Check, a fully-funded one-to-one consultancy service designed to help you:
Increase your knowledge of customs and trade between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Understand VAT implications when trading cross-border.
Learn about regulations and legal differences when trading cross-border.
Understand the implications of employing cross-border workers.
The Trade Health Check forms part of InterTradeIreland's Trade Hub, a comprehensive business hub containing the latest information for businesses engaged in, or planning to engage in trade between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Why Choose SalesPlus?
As an approved InterTradeIreland consultant, SalesPlus has the expertise to navigate the funding landscape and provide strategic support for your business. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of cross-border trade and can provide the strategic insights and expertise you need to succeed in cross-border markets. By partnering with SalesPlus, you’ll receive expert guidance to meet funding criteria, complete applications, and execute your project successfully.
For over 20 years we have worked with clients of InterTradeIreland across many sectors and in both jurisdictions. We have secured distributors for food and FMCG companies, contracts for engineering companies and retail partners for agricultural, construction and homeware product companies, as well as developing partnerships for both manufacturing and service businesses the length and breadth of the island. Our job is to get our clients in front of their potential clients.
Get Started Today
Why not contact SalesPlus today for a free consultation and take advantage of these valuable SME funding supports to boost your business growth and cross-border success! Our Sales Director, Michael McElroy, will explain the different programmes to you and assess your eligibility for funding, free of charge.