We offer a variety of financial supports to assist the start-up, development and expansion of small businesses in the manufacturing and services sectors (based upon eligibility criteria) as follows:

• Priming Grant: for businesses trading <18 months

A Priming Grant is a business start-up grant available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of startup.  The maximum Priming Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.  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 grant aided.

• Business Expansion Grant: for businesses trading >18 months

The Business Expansion Grant is designed to assist business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period.  Micro enterprises that have availed of a Priming Grant are ineligible to apply for a Business Expansion Grant until 18 months after the final drawdown date of the Priming Grant except in exceptional circumstances.

The maximum Business Expansion Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.  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 grant aid.

• Feasibility/Innovation Grant:

This is designed to assist the promoter with researching market demand for a product or service and examining its sustainability.  It includes assistance with innovation.

If you are setting up or expanding a business then contact us to see if you are eligible for support.

Note that some of the financial assistance may be refundable (i.e. will need to be paid back).

A member of the LEO Kildare team will speak with you about this when you make your application.

Important Point to Note:

Once approved, you must fund 100% of any capital/marketing costs initially (except with salary grants when 50% of the grant is paid at the outset & 50% six months later).

If your application has been approved by the LEO for funding you can then recoup the relevant grant based on submitting invoices/evidence of payment and other details.

This is important to note for cash flow planning.