Priming Grants

What is a Priming grant?

Looking to start a new business in Ireland? If so, you may be eligible for a Priming Grant, a government-funded initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in their early stages of growth. Specifically, Priming Grants are start-up business grants available to micro-enterprises within the first 18 months of their establishment. The funds may be granted to sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies that meet the eligibility criteria. The grant amount is typically 50% of the investment or €150,000, whichever is the lesser.

Looking for other options? Check out our overview of other grants you might be eligible for.

What Can a Priming Grant Be Used for?

The grant can be used for various purposes, including:
  • Capital items such as office equipment, machinery, and software
  • Salary costs for the first year of employment (split into two payments)
  • Rental/accommodation costs for the first year of the project
  • Utility costs like telephone and broadband installations
  • Marketing materials such as brochures, business cards, and website design
  • Consultancy fees for design, legal, and accounting services Specialised training programs for management and key personnel

What Can the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters Be Used for?

The Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters marketing grant can cover various costs associated with exploring and developing new market opportunities. Specifically, this grant can be used for export-oriented activities, allowing you to:

How We Helped Other Businesses With Priming Grants

The Roadmap has a proven track record of helping businesses grow. We’ve assisted over 200 companies in reaching their goals, and our comprehensive approach makes the process seamless and stress-free. Check out our case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses just like yours.
Brannigans Gastro pub customers enjoying

Brannigans

Gastro Pub, Dublin, Co.

Brannigans Gastro pub customers enjoying

Moyo

Hair salon, Co. Dublin

How Do I Know If My Business is Eligible for a Priming Grant?

The first step is to reach out to your Local Enterprise Office (LEO). They will assess your eligibility and determine the level of funding available for your business. The assessment will take into consideration several factors, such as the potential for employment and sales growth, the merits of your proposal, your need for financial support, and any previous funding received. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Operating within the geographic area of the LEO
  • Possessing growth potential that fits the Enterprise Ireland portfolio
  • Employing a maximum of 10 employees (with some exceptions – consult a Local Enterprise Office advisor for more details)
  • Being a manufacturing or a services business engaged in international trade
  • Being a domestically traded service business with the possibility of international trade
  • Requiring funding and taking into account deadweight and displacement

Note: A business that has received a Priming Grant will not be eligible to apply for a Business Expansion grant until 12 months after either the approval or drawdown date of the Priming Grant – unless the case demonstrates exceptional merit and the received amount was less than the maximum grant amount allowed under “De Minimis state” rules.

Let us help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the process - Book a Free Consultation

What are the Priming Grant Reimbursement Limits?

  • The Priming Grant reimbursed amount is limited to either 50% of the investment or €150,000, whichever is the smaller sum.
  • For projects that showcase significant potential for graduation to Enterprise Ireland or international export, grants ranging from €80,000 to €150,000 may be available.
  • For other cases, the maximum grant reimbursement would be capped at 50% of the investment or €80,000, whichever is the lower amount.
  • Employment support grants are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of €15,000 per full-time job created, subject to the overall 50% reimbursement limit.

Table Contents

Priming Grants

What is a Priming grant?

Looking to start a new business in Ireland? If so, you may be eligible for a Priming Grant, a government-funded initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in their early stages of growth. Specifically, Priming Grants are start-up business grants available to micro-enterprises within the first 18 months of their establishment. The funds may be granted to sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies that meet the eligibility criteria. The grant amount is typically 50% of the investment or €150,000, whichever is the lesser.

Looking for other options? Check out our overview of other grants you might be eligible for.

What Can a Priming Grant Be Used for?

The grant can be used for various purposes, including:
  • Capital items such as office equipment, machinery, and software
  • Salary costs for the first year of employment (split into two payments)
  • Rental/accommodation costs for the first year of the project
  • Utility costs like telephone and broadband installations
  • Marketing materials such as brochures, business cards, and website design
  • Consultancy fees for design, legal, and accounting services Specialised training programs for management and key personnel

What Can the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters Be Used for?

The Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters marketing grant can cover various costs associated with exploring and developing new market opportunities. Specifically, this grant can be used for export-oriented activities, allowing you to:

How We Helped Other Businesses With Priming Grants

The Roadmap has a proven track record of helping businesses grow. We’ve assisted over 200 companies in reaching their goals, and our comprehensive approach makes the process seamless and stress-free. Check out our case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses just like yours.
Brannigans Gastro pub customers enjoying

Brannigans

Gastro Pub, Dublin, Co.

Brannigans Gastro pub customers enjoying

Moyo

Hair salon, Co. Dublin

How Do I Know If My Business is Eligible for a Priming Grant?

The first step is to reach out to your Local Enterprise Office (LEO). They will assess your eligibility and determine the level of funding available for your business. The assessment will take into consideration several factors, such as the potential for employment and sales growth, the merits of your proposal, your need for financial support, and any previous funding received. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Operating within the geographic area of the LEO
  • Possessing growth potential that fits the Enterprise Ireland portfolio
  • Employing a maximum of 10 employees (with some exceptions – consult a Local Enterprise Office advisor for more details)
  • Being a manufacturing or a services business engaged in international trade
  • Being a domestically traded service business with the possibility of international trade
  • Requiring funding and taking into account deadweight and displacement

Note: A business that has received a Priming Grant will not be eligible to apply for a Business Expansion grant until 12 months after either the approval or drawdown date of the Priming Grant – unless the case demonstrates exceptional merit and the received amount was less than the maximum grant amount allowed under “De Minimis state” rules.

Let us help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the process - Book a Free Consultation

What are the Priming Grant Reimbursement Limits?

  • The Priming Grant reimbursed amount is limited to either 50% of the investment or €150,000, whichever is the smaller sum.
  • For projects that showcase significant potential for graduation to Enterprise Ireland or international export, grants ranging from €80,000 to €150,000 may be available.
  • For other cases, the maximum grant reimbursement would be capped at 50% of the investment or €80,000, whichever is the lower amount.
  • Employment support grants are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of €15,000 per full-time job created, subject to the overall 50% reimbursement limit.
Graphic - The Roadmap

Get Started with a Free Consultation

Take the first step towards securing your Priming Grant by scheduling a free consultation. During our zoom meeting, we will advise you on the best government grants in Ireland for your business needs, share our successful process, and showcase results from other businesses we’ve helped over the past 12 months.

Phone Call

10-15 minute phone call

Video Meeting

20-30 minute zoom meeting

Roadmap