Business Start up Grants available in the Republic of Ireland
Financial support is a key requirement when starting up a new business and there are a number of schemes available to assist new and developing enterprises in the Republic of Ireland. The following list gives details of some bodies that may provide Grants or other financial assistance although it is not exhaustive
City and County Enterprise Boards
The primary function of County Enterprise Boards is to develop economic and entrepreneurial activity at city and county level. City and County Enterprise Boards offer a variety of financial support packages to assist the start-up, development and expansion of small businesses in the manufacturing and services sectors employing ten or less people.
Capital grants up to a maximum level of €75,000 are available for machinery and equipment purchases as well as for purchasing or altering business premises.
Employment grants towards the cost of labour are available to incentivise job creation in new/expanding projects. A grant of up to €7,500 for each job, up to a maximum of 10 jobs, may be provided.
Feasibility grants may be provided to assist with the cost of any necessary pre-start-up studies carried out for the purposes of assessing market interest in and demand for a proposed new product or service. These studies would also cover the appropriateness of any associated funding plans and the general viability and sustainability of the venture. The maximum feasibility grant available is €7,500 (BMW) and €5,100 (S&E) per individual study.
Further information is available online at: www.enterpriseboards.ie
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the business sector. Enterprise Ireland can provide financial support towards the cost of establishing, growing and expanding your business. Our funding is typically a mix of equity and grants and is specifically intended to meet expenses in the areas of research and design, training, job creation and acquisition of capital assets.
Enterprise Ireland has two distinct funding categories for start-up companies:
1. Funding For Exploring New Opportunities
This is preliminary funding towards costs associated with exploring new ideas or markets.
2. Funding for High Potential Start Up Companies
Funding towards costs associated with establishing a new High Potential Start Up company.
You are eligible to apply for this funding if you are:
• A manufacturing or internationally traded services small or medium sized (SME) company employing 10-249 people or a High Potential Start Up company
Further information is available online at: www.enterprise-ireland.com
© Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NIACAB) 2008