Every county in Ireland has a Local Enterprise Office (LEO). Between them they offer two kinds of help: grants that part-fund investment, and programmes that give you expert help, often fully funded.
Which one fits depends on your sector and stage. Many service, retail and trade businesses are not eligible for the main grants but can still use the programmes, which is where most owners get the best value.
These part-fund investment. They are mainly for manufacturing businesses and services that trade internationally. Retail, personal services, professional services, construction and local services are generally not eligible for this grant aid.
Limits and waiting periods have changed over the years and differ between offices, so treat these figures as a guide and confirm them with your LEO.
As a rule of thumb, businesses with 10 or fewer employees go to their Local Enterprise Office, and larger businesses with export potential go to Enterprise Ireland. Since 2022 LEOs can also give direct grants to some firms with more than ten staff in manufacturing and internationally traded services. The two do not fund the same thing twice.
AppAdvisor delivers Digital for Business, Lean for Business and Green for Business for twelve Local Enterprise Offices: Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly, Donegal, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Longford, Laois, Galway, Leitrim and Cavan. If you are not sure where to start, book a free consultation and we will tell you honestly which route fits.
The main grants are the Priming Grant, the Business Expansion Grant and the Feasibility and Innovation Grant. LEOs also run programmes such as Digital for Business, the Grow Digital Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business, plus mentoring and training.
Retail, personal services, professional services, construction and local services are generally not eligible for the main grants, but they can usually use programmes such as Digital for Business and the Grow Digital Voucher.
Generally no. Spending before the LEO's letter of offer, or before applying for the Grow Digital Voucher, is not eligible and can make the project ineligible.
Schemes change. Always confirm the current terms with your Local Enterprise Office before you apply.
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Book a free consultation. We will check your eligibility and tell you honestly which route fits.
