Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has launched the second cycle of the Design & Craft Accelerator in partnership with Portal, Trinity College Dublin.

The programme is designed to aid design and craft SMEs with international export potential, and offer valuable start-up support. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 6 March.

Last year 10 innovative businesses were selected to take part in the Accelerator, five of which progressed to the second stage, and three of which won at the Showcase Ireland Awards 2025.

Badly Made Books won the Gift Award; Outcrop Ltd won the Sustainability Award, and the Showcase Overall Best Product went to Kopper Kreation.

In 2025, all ten participating businesses will remain on the programme for the seven-month duration and will each receive €5,000 during the course of the programme.

They will be assisted by a diverse set of entrepreneurs to develop viable business models and plans and translate them into concrete, scalable value propositions with the intention of seeing more Irish companies competing on the international stage.

"We are delighted to launch the Design & Craft Accelerator programme in partnership with Trinity Portal. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for design and craft SMEs to unlock new growth avenues and support DCCI members to become exporters," said Mary Blanchfield, interim CEO of the DCCI.

"The programme builds on the success of last year, where tendesign and craft businesses took part during different stages of the programme. Through expert mentorship, tailored support, and access to world-class resources, we are empowering these creative businesses to scale and thrive on the global stage.

"At DCCI, we’re committed to fostering innovation and sustainability within the sector, and this programme is a testament to our continued dedication to the success of Irish design and craftsmanship.”

The design and craft sector is the 10th-largest employer in Ireland with 21 enterprises directly employing 63,000 people, an increase of more than 6% since 2022.

"The Accelerator programme was a pivotal moment for Badly Made Books. It provided invaluable insights and practical tools that helped me refine my business strategy, connect with industry leaders, and scale operations effectively," said Sean O'Sullivan, founder of Badly Made Books.

"The experience has been instrumental in growing my brand and reaching new customers both locally and internationally."

Neil Gordon, executive director of Trinity Portal, added: "This collaboration is a pivotal step in empowering Irish design and craft SMEs to expand their international presence. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to support these businesses as they navigate the complexities of global markets.

"By combining innovation, education, and industry-leading support, this programme will provide the foundation for lasting success and sustainable growth in the international arena.”

Completed applications submitted before the deadline will reviewed by a panel of representatives including members from DCCI, Trinity College Dublin, Enterprise Ireland and industry experts. 

A total of 20 companies will be shortlisted by late February and given the opportunity to pitch for one of ten places on the programme. Throughout the programme, each company involved will receive individual coaching and mentoring, which will focus on sustainability of design and manufacturing, best practice, business policies, etc.

The programme will culminate in October with a Demo Day, details of which will be announced in the latter part of the year. To apply for the Design & Craft  Accelerator Programme, visit dcci.ie/the-accelerator-programme/.

Photo: (l-r) Neil Gordon, Executive Director of Portal, Mary Blanchfield, Interim CEO of DCCI, Sean O Sullivan, Badly Made Books, Isha Tyagi, Head of Education and Crafts DCCI and Gavan Drohan, Head of Student Entrepreneurship, Trinity College Dublin. (Pic: Supplied)