Please note, it is essential to fully investigate the eligibility requirements of these grants before applying.

Feasibility Study Grants

A Feasibility Study Grant can be used to assess the viability of a business proposal. All qoutes submitted must detail VAT and be printed on proper letterheads.

Feasibilities studies include 3rd party:

• Consultancy Fees
• Prototype Costs / Innovation Costs – This can include research and development, prototype production, test marketing, consultancy advice, financial projections, the preparation of a formal business plan and generally in finding out whether a service or new product should be taken to the production stage. A maximum of 50% of the cost of preparing a Feasibility Study, or Prototype Development is available.

Priming Grants

A Priming Grant is for Businesses trading less than 18 months. 

You can only apply if you are employing at least 1 new full-time paid employee and have sales.  The new employee may be the Promoter provided no previous funding has been received for Promoter salary or new recruited employee.

Expenses covered include:

• Salary Costs – For full time new Employees only. Grant is calculated according to proposed salary. These expenses are paid in 2 installments. The first installment is paid within 2 months of the Board approval date when the Employee commences. The second installment is paid 6 months from the date of the first installment so long as the Employee has remained in the full time position for the 6 months.

Business Development Grants

A Business Development Grant is for Businesses trading over18 months.

You can only apply if you are employing one new-full time employee.  The new employee may be the promoter, provided no previous funding has been received for Promoter salary or for new employee recruited.

Expenses covered include:

• Salary Costs – For full time new Employees only. Grant is calculated according to proposed salary. These expenses are paid in 2 installments. The first installment is paid within 2 months of the approval date when the Employee commences. The second installment is paid 6 months from the date of the first installment so long as the Employee has remained in the full time position for the 6 months.

Please note:

• Overall the cumulative level of grants to a micro enterprise from Local Enterprise Office shall not exceed €150,000 over a three year period.
• The cumulative level of aid from all sources cannot exceed the EU de minimus threshold of €200,000 over a 3 year period. 
• The payments of all grants will be subject to enterprises reaching agreed milestones as per their business plans and the Local Enterprise Offices Letter of Offer.