Unlock export markets with help from Local Enterprise Office Laois

The ‘Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters’ grant is available through Local Enterprise Office Laois to help more small businesses develop products and services that will unlock export markets.

This grant can cover up to 50% of qualifying expenditure, up to a maximum of €2,500 (excluding VAT).

The grant is designed to help micro enterprises explore, develop and unlock new overseas markets for their products and services, within Europe and beyond.

Eligibility criteria, and general conditions of the Financial Support Instruments apply.

Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters’ Grant

Grant terms, eligible projects and expenditure

Grant terms:

• Grant Covers 50% of eligible costs (net of vat) to a max of €2,500.
• Applications must be made prior to any expenditure being incurred
• Payments will be made to approved projects on receipt of proof of payment of all qualifying and approved expenses.
• Successful applicants should consider using an Enterprise Ireland Mentor to develop an export/marketing plan.

Projects eligible for support include:

• Enterprises not employing more than 10 people;
• Enterprises located within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office
• Enterprises operating in the commercial sphere
• Enterprises must demonstrate a market for their proposed product/service
• Enterprises engaged in manufacturing or internationally traded services
• Innovative businesses with prototype products
• Enterprises must not have received any funding for this proposal from any other source

Eligible expenditure categories:

• Trade Show Exhibitor costs* (for the first or second time to exhibit at a particular show only)
• Export Specific Marketing Materials
• Export related website development

* Note - Economy Flight Costs are eligible with other travel and subsistence costs subject to the Local Enterprise Office maximum limits

Ineligible Activities

• Domestic trade fairs and shows unless proven that overseas buyers participate;
• Researching expanding market/sales activities within the Republic of Ireland;
• Researching into existing markets for existing products;
• Attendance at international conferences, summits, forums, symposiums, stand-alone company events are not eligible for support.

Application Form

Access online application form here:  https://submit.link/8J  (Note that all applications are now submitted via our submit.com portal)