Micro sized enterprises in Dublin are invited to submit applications for grant support from the City Enterprise Board, including funding for start-ups, business development and testing the feasibility of a new product or service.

Dublin City Enterprise Board announced the latest application call on 13 September with the aim of encouraging start up and development projects that have capacity to create direct employment.

The Enterprise Board currently operates three main grant programmes:

Business Development/Expansion Grant:

• To support the establishment and development of local manufacturing and internationally tradable services businesses that have been trading for more than 18 months.
• Funding can cover a range of expansion and development costs, including capital items/equipment, salary costs for new employees, utilities, marketing, consultancy and training.
• Grants can fund a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum amount of €150,000 – although the average grant is €20,000.

Feasibility/Innovation Grants:

• To support businesses in exploring the feasibility of a new product or service or the development of a prototype.
• Grants can cover a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum amount of €7,500.

Priming Grant:

• To support businesses that have been trading for less than 18 months with a range of expenditure, including capital items/equipment, salary costs for new employees, utilities, rent, marketing, consultancy and training.
• Grants can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum amount of €150,000 – although the average is €15,000.

To avail of City Enterprise Board Support, all businesses should be a full time commercial enterprise based in Dublin City that operates in the manufacturing or internationally tradable services sector, employs fewer than 10 people and has potential to create employment or engage in export.

Forthcoming application deadlines include 23 September, 21 October and 14 November.

Visit the Dublin City Enterprise Board website for further information.

Source: Dublin City Enterprise Board, 19/09/11