Thursday 1 October 2026

SMEs are being encouraged to apply for InterTradeIreland's SupplyChain+ programme, ahead of the October 7 application deadline for cohort 1 of the programme.

For SMEs seeking to supply pharmaceutical companies and their wider supplier networks, the programme provides direct access to multinationals through workshops, tailored learning, and industry mentoring, meaning participants gain practical insights into buyer expectations and what it means to compete successfully for contracts with pharmaceutical multinationals. Participating multinationals have identified opportunities within the following areas (and more): 

Opportunities within the following areas

• Engineering & capital project delivery
• Automation & smart manufacturing
• Fabrication & precision manufacturing
• Packaging & labelling

The programme, which is now open for applications, ensures SMEs are supplier-ready through extensive end-to-end support in understanding procurement requirements, capability gaps, and how to strengthen their competitiveness across areas such as quality systems, traceability, compliance and operational resilience.

Leah McStravick, assistant director of trade with InterTradeIreland, said: “SMEs across the island have the expertise and ambition required to become suppliers to multinational organisations, but securing those opportunities often requires a deeper understanding of procurement expectations and the standards multinationals expect. InterTradeIreland’s SupplyChain+ programme helps businesses bridge that gap. Through tailored supports and direct engagement with pharmaceutical companies, SMEs can gain valuable insight into customer requirements, strengthen their capabilities and build the credibility needed to compete for opportunities within global supply chains.”

L-R: Caroline Sweeney, trade manager InterTradeIreland; Aidan Farnan, director MOAT Business Consultants; Colin McCabrey, director of Trade InterTradeIreland; Aidan Doherty, CEO MOAT Business Consultants; and Siobhan Caulfield, project manager InterTradeIreland.

SupplyChain+ forms part of InterTradeIreland's ambition to connect SMEs with new customers, partners and growth opportunities across the island. InterTradeIreland has supported more than 65,000 businesses, generating more than €2bn in business development value.

SMEs interested in applying to the first cohort of SupplyChain+ should submit their applications before Wednesday, October 7. More information is available on InterTradeIreland’s website here: https://intertradeireland.com/sales-growth/supplychain