Fueling Growth: Navigating Government Grants for Your Irish Small Business

The Backbone of Ireland’s Economy

Small businesses are at the heart of Ireland’s economy—driving innovation, supporting communities, and creating local jobs. To support this vital sector, the Irish government provides a range of grant schemes designed to help businesses grow. Unlike loans or equity investments, grants are non-repayable when used correctly. For both new and established businesses, these supports can provide essential funding to scale operations, improve sustainability, or enter new markets.

While grants are appealing, securing one requires careful planning. Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria, and a strong business case must be presented. However, the effort can result in significant benefits by providing capital without the need for repayment.

Key Grant Providers and Schemes

It can be difficult to know where to begin, but several organisations provide accessible routes to financial support.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs): Your Community Support Network

With 31 offices across the country, LEOs support small businesses at a local level, particularly in the early stages. Available grants include:

• Priming Grant (Business Startup Grant)
  For startups within their first 18 months with fewer than 10 employees and international growth potential. Covers up to 50% of eligible costs (maximum €80,000, potentially €150,000 in certain cases) for equipment and direct business expenses, excluding land, buildings, and mobile assets.

• Business Expansion Grant
  For businesses with fewer than 10 employees that have moved beyond the initial startup phase. Covers up to 50% of eligible investment (up to €150,000 in exceptional circumstances) for capital items, salary costs, and marketing activity.

• Feasibility (Innovation) Grant
  Supports early-stage research into the viability of new products or services. Includes funding for innovation, consultancy fees, and technical development, with 50% to 60% of costs covered up to a maximum of €15,000.

• Grow Digital Voucher
  Offers up to €2,500 to help small businesses (with up to 50 employees and at least six months of trading) implement digital strategies. Covers 50% of costs following a digital audit provided by your LEO.

Enterprise Ireland: Scaling for National Impact

Enterprise Ireland supports businesses with the potential to grow and compete internationally. Available grants include:

• Strategic Consultancy Assignment Grant
  Provides up to €35,000 to help fund external strategy consultants offering insight into new opportunities and competitive positioning.

• GreenPlus Grant
  Offers up to €50,000 for hiring environmental consultants and delivering internal training on sustainability best practices.

• Grants and Supports for Women Entrepreneurs
  A range of targeted programmes providing financial aid, networking opportunities, and mentorship for female-led businesses.

The National Enterprise Hub: Your Central Information Resource

Launched in July 2024, the National Enterprise Hub serves as a centralised information centre for businesses seeking government support. Often described as a "Citizens Information" for businesses, it outlines over 180 available supports across 19 government departments and helps connect users with relevant agencies and advisors.

Crafting a Winning Application

Funders carefully assess each application to ensure the proposed activity delivers a return and supports economic development. To give your application the best chance of success:

Focus on the Financials

Provide realistic, well-supported financial forecasts, including clear profit and loss statements and cash flow projections. Avoid overly optimistic figures and ensure projections reflect industry norms. Demonstrate a clear path to profitability and long-term viability.

Showcase Your Team’s Capacity

Outline your team’s experience and ability to deliver the proposed activity. Highlight how current expertise aligns with project needs, reassuring funders that your leadership can deliver.

Clearly Define the Use of Funds and Expected Impact

Be specific about how the funding will be used and what outcomes it will create—whether that’s increased efficiency, business growth, job creation, or expanded production. Make the link between funding and measurable impact clear.

Taking the First Step

Government grants can play a key role in helping Irish small businesses reach their growth goals. While the application process requires time and preparation, the opportunity to secure non-repayable funding can be transformative. By understanding the schemes available and preparing a clear business case, you can unlock valuable support for your business.

LEOs, Enterprise Ireland, and the National Enterprise Hub offer strong starting points. Exploring these options may be the first step toward your next stage of growth.

---

If you're considering a government grant or preparing an application, we can help you review your financials, clarify your business case, and ensure your projections align with expectations.