Business Expansion Grant
The Business Expansion grant is designed to assist new small businesses in their growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period. It is offered through Local Enterprise Offices as part of a range of supports to enable Irish businesses grow and thrive.
Who can apply?
Business Expansion Grants may be awarded to sole traders, partnerships or limited companies that meet these criteria:
- 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. Speak with your Local Enterprise Office for more information on eligibility.)
- The enterprise must be established, registered and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office.
- The enterprise must be run on a commercial basis.
- The enterprise must show it has a market for its product or service.
- The enterprise must have the potential for business growth and job creation.
How much is available?
The maximum Business Expansion Grant available is 50% of the investment or €80,000, whichever is the lesser.
In exceptional cases grants of over €80,000 and up to €150,000 may be available. These are granted only to projects that clearly demonstrate a potential to graduate to Enterprise Ireland and/or to export internationally.
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.
What can the grant be used for?
Expenditure may be considered under the following headings:
- Capital items
- Salary costs
- Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs
- General overhead costs
How to apply?
To discuss a possible grant application, contact your Local Enterprise Office to request a meeting. Find their contact details here.
Learn more about your Local Enterprise Office
The Local Enterprise Office is your local first stop shop for seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. There is a Local Enterprise Office in each local authority area. With 31 dedicated teams across the local authorities in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer you a wide range of experience, skills, and services. Full details on Local Enterprise Office supports are available at LocalEnterprise.ie.