A Priming Grant is a business start-up grant available to qualifying small businesses within the first 18 months of their business life. The maximum Priming Grant payable shall is usually 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser. Grants over €80,000 and up to €150,000 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.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
A Priming Grant may be available for sole traders, partnerships, community groups or limited companies established within the last 18 months. The following criteria apply:
- The Business must be located within the boundaries of their Local Enterprise Office
- A business employing up to 10 employees
- A manufacturing or internationally traded services business
- A domestically traded services business with the potential to trade internationally
- A domestically traded services business being established by a female returning to the workforce or unemployed persons where the potential for deadweight and displacement does not exist
What expenditure is eligible under the Priming Grant?
Capital Items
Capital items include fit out of workspace, office equipment, machinery, computer costs, hardware and software etc (Note: Acquisition of building and purchase of mobile assets are excluded from grant aid).
Salary Costs
For 1st year of employment this to be paid out in two instalments. The first instalment at the commencement of employment and the second instalment once the employment has continued in existence for a period of six months. The level of grant support should reflect the salary scale proposed for the employment being generated. It is anticipated that only quality jobs attracting salaries in excess of €40,000 will be eligible for the maximum €15,000 grant support with appropriately scaled back grants offered in accordance with proposed salary for lower paid positions. Staff recruitment costs may also be considered eligible for grant aid.
Rental/Accommodation Costs
For 1st year of project. (Note where rental space is already subsidised by an investment of public funds then grant support should reflect the differential between the market rate and subsidised rate). Rental costs may be paid up front subject to receipt by the Board of signed lease/rental agreements.
Utility Costs
These include installation costs for telephone and broadband (Note: mobile phone costs are excluded).
Marketing Costs
These include packaging, brochures, business cards, trade fairs, website design and development and other marketing initiatives.
Consultancy Costs
These include design fees, patent costs, architect, accountant and legal fees.
Business Specific Training
Costs here refer to specialised management or key personnel training programmes that are required to ensure the growth of the business. Such courses should not be generally available under the Board’s general training programmes.
How can I apply for the Priming Grant?
The first step is to contact Avid Partners to see if you are eligible for the scheme. If so Avid Partners can assist you with your application and liaise with the local enterprise centre on your behalf. Call us today on 01 4286900. Email us at advice@avidpartners.ie. Visit us at www.avidpartners.ie.
