The Business Expansion grant is designed to assist the business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period.

Business Expansion grants may be awarded to sole traders, partnerships, community groups or limted companies that fulfil the following criteria:

• Located within the Local Enterprise Office's geographic area
• A business, which, on growth, may or may not have the capacity to fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio
• The enterprise must not employ more than 10 people; In some cases, depending on certain criteria, businesses with 10 employees or more may be eligible, please contact one of our Business Advisor for more information on eligibility;
• A Manufacturing or Internationally traded service business
• A Domestically traded Service business with the potential to trade internationally.

The maximum Business Expansion Grant payable shall be 50% of the investment or €150,000 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. In all other cases, the maximum grant shall be 50% of the investment or €80,000 whichever is the lesser. Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum grant of €15,000 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support granted.

A business that had availed of a Priming Grant will be ineligible to apply for a Business Expansion grant until 18 months after approval/drawdown date of Priming Grant whichever is the later.

Application Process

Applications are considered on a case by case basis. Before submitting an application, you need to complete a Grant Expression of Interest Form, so we can assess your needs. A member of our office will be in contact with you to discuss the next steps.

Grant Expression of Interest Form

Please note you do not need to complete the form in one sitting, you can save and return to the form.