Priming Grant

Local Enterprise Offices may provide financial support to small businesses in the first 18 months following the start up stage.

LEOs can assist in the establishment and/or development of new and existing enterprises (limited company, individuals/sole trader, cooperatives and partnerships) provided that such enterprises/projects can attain commercial viability and subject to the following eligibility criteria:

Within the eligibility criteria there are certain priorities and restrictions:

  • Priority must be given to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sectors which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio:.
  • Salary support may be offered to unique tourism services projects that are focused predominantly on generating revenues from overseas visitors and which do not give rise to deadweight and/or displacement in the local economy;
  • This grant aid does not support those areas such as retail enterprises, personal services (eg hairdressers, gardeners, creches etc), professional services (accountants, solicitors etc), construction/local building services, as this is considered to give rise to unacceptable deadweight (where the project would have proceeded anyway) and/or displacement (where the projects imply displace business from other players in the market).
  • The sector of the economy in which an enterprise is operating or intends to operate.
  • The size or proposed size of the enterprise.
  • Any expenditure incurred, prior to receipt of application form, will not be eligible for grant support.
  • The grant aid is considered to not give rise to unacceptable/ineligible business activities or deadweight (where the project would have proceeded anyway)

Ineligible Businesses

  • Enterprise Ireland / IDA / Údarás na Gaeltachta clients
  • Domestically focused retail, personal services, professional services and construction services.
  • Are operating in the coal or steel sectors.
  • Are involved in activities that Local Enterprise Offices considers as ineligible or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk. Ineligible activities include activities relating to:
  1. The gambling sector, including "gaming" (as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956)
  2. Adult entertainment
  3. Tobacco and tobacco related products.
  4. Cannabis-based products which are not authorised as medicines.

Any queries in relating to the eligibility will be directed to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment/Enterprise Ireland Policy department who will assess the case.



To arrange a meeting with one of our business advisors to discuss please contact 059 9129783 or email: enterprise@carlowcoco.ie