Priming Grants (for businesses trading <18 months)

A Priming Grant is a business start-up grant, available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up.  Priming grants may be available for sole traders, partnerships, community groups or limited companies that fulfil the following criteria:

• Located within the CEB's geographic area;
• A business which upon growth may or may not fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio;
• A business employing up to 10 employees;
• A manufacturing or internationally traded services business;
• A domestically traded services business being established by a female returning to the workforce or unemployed persons where the potential for deadweight or displacement does not exist.

The maximum Priming Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.  Grants over €80,000 and up to €150,000 shall be the exception and shall only apply in the case of projects that clearly demonstsrate a potential to graduate to Enterprise Ireland and/or to export internationally.  In all other cases, the maximum grant shall be 50% of the investment or €80,000 whichever is the lesser.  Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum of up to €15,000 per full-time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support grant aided.

Expenditure may be considered under the following  headings:

• Capital Items.  These include fit out of workspace, office equipment, machinery, computer costs hardware and software, etc (Note acquisiton of building and purchase of mobile of assets are excluded from grant aid).
• Salary Costs.  For 1st year of employment.  This is to be paid out in two instalments.  The first instalment at the commencement of employment and the second instalment once the employment has continued in existence for a period of six months.  The level of grant support should reflect the salary scale proposed for the employment being generated.  It is anticipated that only quality jobs attracting salaries in excess of €40,000 will be eligible for the maximum €15,000 grant support with appropriately scaled back grants offered in accordance with proposed salary for lower paid positions.  Staff recruitment costs may also be considered eligible for grant aid.
• Rental/Accommodation Costs.  For 1st year of project.  (Note where rental space is already subsidized by an investment of public funds then grant support should reflect the differential between the market rate and subsidised rate).  Rental costs may be paid up front subject to receipt by the Board of signed lease/rental agreements.
• Utility Costs.  These include installation costs for telephone and broadband.  (Note mobile phone costs are excluded).
• Consultancy Costs.  These include design fees, patent costs, architect, accountant and legal fees.
• Business Specific Training.  Costs here refer to specialised management or key personnel training programmes that are required to ensure the growth of the business.  Such courses should not be generally available under the Board's general training programmes.

If you are thinking of setting up a business or trading for less than 18 months and fulfil the above criteria, then contact us to see if you are eligible for Priming Grant assistance.