A Priming Grants is a business start-up grant, available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up.

Priming grants may be available for sole traders, partnerships, community groups or limited companies that fulfil the following criteria:

• Located within Waterford City or County
• A business which on growth may or may not 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 services business
• A Domestically traded Service business with the potential to trade internationally

Eligible clients may be awarded a Priming Grant within the first eighteen months of setting up the business.

The maximum Priming 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.

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.