Ireland's entrepreneurial spirit: The Start Up Ambition report

Dreaming of starting your own business in 2025? You're not the only one.

According to our new 2025 Start Up Ambition report, 42% of Irish adults are considering launching a business or side hustle this year.

The motivations behind this surge are as diverse as the entrepreneurs themselves.

Why start a business in 2025?

The report highlights that many aspiring entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to take charge of their work-life balance (36%) or to monetise a skill or hobby (32%).

Rising living costs are also fuelling this ambition, with 30% aiming to boost their income through entrepreneurship.

Interestingly, these aspirations cut across all age groups, with the 41 to 50 age bracket leading the way at 51%, closely followed by those aged 31 to 40 (47%).

Even among the younger generation, 45% of 18- to 30-year-olds are contemplating starting a business within the next 12 months.

A career path for everyone

Starting a business is increasingly seen as a mainstream career choice, according to Joanne Mangan, Enterprise Nation's Ireland country manager.

She attributes this trend to the accessibility of technology, which makes it easier to turn passions into profits, and the availability of high-quality business support.

"The number of people who want to start a business is an emerging trend that is set to climb.

"Starting a business is seen more and more as a mainstream career option, and something that most working-age people expect to do at some point in their life.

"Behind this is the accessibility of technology that allows people to increase their income while doing something they love or are good at.

"It's also about good-quality business support that helps people to get started and grow."

For many people, entrepreneurship is personal. A fifth (18%) of respondents said a family member has inspired them, while a significant 37% spoke of a lack of relatable role models.

This highlights the importance of showcasing diverse entrepreneurial journeys in Ireland.

What businesses are people starting and where?

The most popular industries for start-ups include:

• food and drink: 17%

• arts and crafts: 11%

• creative and media: 11%

Tech and artificial intelligence is the most popular sector among men. Women are more likely to start a business as a side hustle (57% vs. 49% of men), with Generation Z (18–24) leading this trend.

The average first-year income expectations for full-time entrepreneurs stand at €37,254, though women anticipate earning €15,000 less than men – a gap worth addressing as Ireland's start-up culture grows.

Regional hotspots and earning potential

Connaught is emerging as a hub for budding entrepreneurs, with 29% of respondents in the region considering a new business.

Of these, Galway stands out as the star performer, with 58% of aspiring entrepreneurs hailing from the county.

For those starting as side hustlers, the average anticipated income for the first 12 months is €7,450, showing that even part-time entrepreneurship can bring meaningful financial benefits.

Ready to join the movement?

The Start Up Ambition Report 2025 paints a picture of an Ireland brimming with entrepreneurial energy.

Whether you're motivated by passion, practicality or the potential for financial freedom, now might be the perfect time to take the leap.

With technology and support networks more accessible than ever, your dream business could become a reality this year.

View the full report

Tech Hub Ireland: Your start-up ally

To further support aspiring entrepreneurs and side hustlers in 2025, Enterprise Nation has introduced the Tech Hub Ireland programme.

This free initiative offers personalised guidance and resources to help small business owners adopt digital tools that boost productivity and drive growth.

By completing a simple diagnostic, you receive tailored recommendations on suitable technologies and training on how to put them into practice effectively.

With backing from partners like Amazon, Google and Square, Tech Hub Ireland is poised to empower the next wave of Irish entrepreneurs to leverage technology for success.