Every county has a Local Enterprise Office, and the rules are the same nationally; this page quotes LEO Clare's wording. The grant is for micro-enterprises: sole traders, partnerships or companies with no more than 10 employees, trading commercially with a market and the potential to grow and create jobs.
Quick facts
- Maximum
- 50% of investment, up to €80,000
- Exceptional
- Up to €150,000 (Enterprise Ireland or export potential)
- Per job
- Up to €15,000 per full-time job
- Business age
- First 18 months
- Size
- Up to 10 employees
How much
"In all other cases, the maximum grant shall be 50% of the investment or €80,000 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 demonstrate a potential to graduate to Enterprise Ireland and/or to export internationally."
"Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum grant of up to €15,000 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support granted."
What it pays for
"A Priming Grant may be paid to buy new equipment, help with direct business costs such as salary, rental costs, utilities, marketing, consultancy costs, and so on." "Grant assistance is not available for the purchase of buildings, land or mobile assets."
How to apply
Contact your Local Enterprise Office and ask for a meeting with a business advisor before you spend anything; grants are not paid for costs already incurred. The office gives you the application form and the closing dates for its evaluation committee. A Feasibility Study Grant, Business Expansion Grant and mentoring sit alongside this one; the advisor will say which fits.
Common questions
How much is the LEO Priming Grant?
Up to 50% of your investment or €80,000, whichever is less; up to €150,000 only for projects with Enterprise Ireland or export potential.
Who can get a Priming Grant?
A sole trader, partnership or company in its first 18 months with no more than 10 employees, trading commercially within the Local Enterprise Office's area.
What can the grant be spent on?
New equipment and direct business costs such as salary, rent, utilities, marketing and consultancy. Not buildings, land or mobile assets.