Open Call for
Skillnet Business Networks

A Skillnet Business Network is a collection of private sector businesses that collaborate to address skills needs within their sector or region, or a combination of both. Each Skillnet Business Network is led by a voluntary Steering Group of industry representatives that focus on setting the Network’s strategic direction. Network companies span the full range of private sector industry sectors and can be enterprises of any size.

A network manager is appointed by the contracting organisation to undertake the day to day running of the network. Operating under the guidance of the Steering Group, the network manager’s role includes implementing the network’s strategy and plan, promoting the network and its offering to attract new companies, and coordinating programme development and delivery in line with current and future business learning requirements.

Further information on the network structure and funding model is available by emailing funding@skillnetireland.ie

Enterprise groups need to present a strong business case to Skillnet Ireland on the challenges and opportunities within the relevant sector/region and the current and future skills required to address such needs. Each applicant needs to outline how the proposal is aligned to the national skills policy for the relevant sector or region.

The submission date for the 2025 New Skillnet Business Network Proposal Applications is 3pm on September 30th 2025. Successful applicants will be offered funding to develop new Skillnet Business Networks that commence in January 2026.

To start the application process for developing a new Skillnet, please download the following guidelines and application form:

• Application Guidelines
• Training Needs Analysis

Skillnet Ireland has a support team in place to assist interested applicants in preparing their application. Please email funding@skillnetireland.ie or contact us on 01 207 9630 to arrange a one-to-one meeting with a member of the Skillnet Ireland support team.

Click the button below to download the New Network Funding brochure for 2026.

To start the application process for developing a new Skillnet Business Network, please begin by downloading the Application Guidelines.

• Network Funding Brochure
• Application Guidelines

To find out more about how your sector or region could benefit from establishing a new Skillnet Business Network, you can speak to a Skillnet Ireland Advisor by emailing funding@skillnetireland.ie or by calling 01 207 9630.

An Information Briefing Session will be held at 10am on July 23rd, 2025, to provide more information on how your sector or region could benefit from establishing a new Skillnet Business network and to gain deeper insights into the application process. An Application Workshop will be held at 10am on 13th August 2025. You can register for these events below.

If you are interested in accessing funding for training for yourself or your company now, please contact one of our 69 Networks directly.