Grad Start

Grad Start offers Local Enterprise Office client companies financial support to hire top graduate talent and develop a talent pipeline.  One Irish or international graduate can be hired at any one time for a two-year period by companies.  During the placement, the company must define a project aligned to its growth plan for each graduate to complete.  Graduates are also assigned an in-company mentor to support their development.

Key Points to Note

  • companies must be incorporated.
  • companies must operate in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector.
  • Companies must employ a minimum of five staff.
  • Roles in any discipline are eligible for support, except for direct sales and direct marketing positions.

Financial Support

GradStart

GradStart

Language Support

€30,000

(€15,000 per year) or 50% of individual graduate salary
costs (whichever is lesser).

€42,000

(€21,000 per year on a maximum allowable salary of €30,000 per year) or 70% of individual graduate
salary costs (whichever is lesser).  The graduate role must have a clear requirement for language proficiency.

How to Apply

All company applications for funding should be discussed with Lorna Cooney in the Local Enterprise Office Meath prior to submission.  The scheme is open for applications on the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System using the LEO tab.  All applications for Grad Start can be made throughout the year.