Application Process
Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown can accept applications for its financial supports from start-up or established businesses that fulfil the eligibility criteria.
This process applies to Feasibility Grants, Business Priming, Business Expansion & Market Explorer Grants.
Check your eligibility
Submit an Expression of Interest
- If you believe your business meets the eligibility criteria, complete our EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR FUNDING SUPPORTS.
- Your submission will be reviewed and a member of our team will contact you within approximately 10 working days. In most cases, this will involve a meeting with a Business Advisor to confirm eligibility and readiness to apply.
- Where it is clear that a business is not eligible, we will advise accordingly and direct you to alternative supports.
Meet with a Business Advisor
- You will be invited to meet with a Business Advisor as part of the eligibility review process.
- This meeting is an important step in confirming both your eligibility and your readiness to apply for grant funding. During the meeting, the Business Advisor will:
- discuss your business and proposed project in more detail
- provide full information on the relevant grant supports available
- outline the application process and what will be required
- assess whether your business is ready to proceed to application stage
- Following this meeting, if appropriate, you will be invited to submit a formal application.
Submit your formal application
- Following your meeting, you will receive a link to submit your formal application.
- Your application will be reviewed internally and, if ready, will be progressed to the independent Evaluation & Approvals Committee (EVAC) for decision.
- Please see below for further information on what will be required as part of a formal application.
What you will need when submitting a grant application
The information and documentation required will vary depending on the type of grant you are applying for.
Your Business Advisor will guide you on the specific requirements relevant to your application.
Feasibility Grant
Before you start – prepare the following:
Uploads required
- Most recent certified accounts and management accounts (where applicable)
- Completed Cashflow Projection (2 years) – [template provided]
- Evidence of match funding (e.g. bank statements, loan approval letters)
- If not yet secured, you may upload a note outlining the status and timeline
- Written quotations:
- 1 quote for items under €5,000 (ex. VAT)
- 3 quotes for items €5,000 or more (ex. VAT)
- If not yet available, upload a note outlining the status
Information you will be asked to provide
- Business details (CRO number, tax reference, trading address)
- Business profile and management team experience
- Market strategy and competitor analysis
- Financial details (pricing and cost structure)
- Project description and expected outcomes
- Expenditure breakdown and match funding plan
Priming & Business Expansion Grants
Before you start – prepare the following:
Uploads required
- Most recent certified accounts and management accounts (where applicable)
- Completed Cashflow Projection (2 years) – [template provided]
- Completed Profit & Loss Forecast (3 years) – [template provided]
- Balance Sheet
(required where grant funding exceeds €50,000 or cumulative support exceeds €100,000+) - Evidence of match funding (e.g. bank statements, loan approval letters)
- If not yet secured, upload a note outlining the status and timeline
- Written quotations:
- 1 quote for items under €5,000 (ex. VAT)
- 3 quotes for items €5,000 or more (ex. VAT)
- Group structure diagram (if applicable)
Information you will be asked to provide
- Business details (CRO number, tax reference, trading address)
- Ownership and shareholder information
- Business profile and management team experience
- Market strategy and competitor analysis
- Financial details (pricing and cost structure)
- Project description and impact on jobs
- Job creation details and salary costs
- Expenditure breakdown and match funding plan
- Staffing projections (3 years)
Market Explorer Grant
Before you start – prepare the following:
Uploads required
- Most recent certified accounts and management accounts (where applicable)
- Written quotations:
- 1 quote for items under €5,000 (ex. VAT)
- 3 quotes for items €5,000 or more (ex. VAT)
- If not yet available, you may upload a note outlining the status and timeline
Information you will be asked to provide
- Business details (CRO number, tax reference, trading address)
- Project description and expected outcomes
- Impact on the business, including any potential job creation
- Expenditure breakdown
Important to note
- You can submit your application without some supporting documentation
- However, your application cannot be fully processed or evaluated until all required documents are provided
- Additional information may be requested during the assessment process
Tips for a smooth application
- Gather your financial data and projections in advance
- Prepare quotations from suppliers early
- Be clear on your project scope and costs
- Ensure evidence of match funding is available or clearly explained
Please note: An Irish Language version of the application form is available on request to leo@dlrcoco.ie
