Local Enterprise Offices

There are several supports designed to suit businesses at different stages of development. Feasibility Study Grants can cover up to 50% of eligible costs (typically between €2,500 and €15,000) to help with market research and idea testing. Priming Grants support new startups by contributing up to 50% of setup costs, such as equipment and initial expenses. For growing businesses, Business Expansion Grants offer larger-scale support, with funding of up to €150,000 at a 50% rate for eligible growth projects. LEOs also provide Trading Online Vouchers worth €2,500 to help businesses develop or improve their e-commerce presence, along with other supports such as Technical Assistance for exporters and the Digital Start programme for innovative tech-based ideas. In 2022–2023, LEOs invested around €7 million nationwide in these types of supports.

The first step is to contact your local Local Enterprise Office—there are 31 LEOs across Ireland. You will need to prepare a strong business plan that outlines your market opportunity, projected finances, and evidence of your own funding contribution. Applications can be submitted online or in person, and decisions are typically made within a few weeks. If your application is unsuccessful, you can usually reapply after making improvements.

At Capiqal, we help businesses prepare and refine their LEO grant applications—strengthening business plans, financials, and supporting documents to give you the best possible chance of approval.

Funding caps vary by grant type. Most cover 50% of approved costs, with Feasibility and Priming Grants up to €50,000 total project value, and Expansion Grants reaching €300,000 projects (€150,000 funded).

You cannot claim the same costs from multiple sources. Some grants may become refundable if milestones are not met. Always check your LEO for current rates.

Grant rejections are common, so it is important to approach your application strategically. Start by making sure your project clearly aligns with local priorities such as job creation, innovation, or business growth. A strong business plan and well-prepared financials can make a big difference, which is why many applicants choose to get expert support. 

At Capiqal, we help strengthen applications through detailed reviews, audits, and rewrites to improve approval rates. It is also important to avoid common mistakes, such as weak market evidence or overstated costs, and to keep an eye on open calls at localenterprise.ie so you can apply early and with a strong, complete submission.