Anyone with a business idea regardless of what stage they are at may discuss it with the Enterprise Board. We will work with you to determine whether the project is suitable for grant aid. We will also give you advice on which type of grant may be most suitable for your business. The Galway County and City Enterprise board have three types of grants available. For more information on a particular type just choose from then following.

1 Feasibility Study Grant
This may be used to test the viability of your business proposal. We will fund a maximum of 60% of the cost of preparing a feasibility study. The maximum amount we will fund to a single project is €6,350.

These are the type of things covered by the Feasibility study Grant

• Research and development
• Prototype production
• Test marketing
• Consultancy advice
• Financial projections
  

2 Capital Grant
This may be used to purchase equipment and machinery or to refurbish or outfit a building. In some cases the equipment may be purchased second hand. We will fund a maximum of 50% of the cost of capital and other investment or €75,000 which ever is the greater.

Capital grants may not be used for the purchase/acquisition of buildings

3 Employment Grant
This may be used to supplement the cost of employees. There is a maximum grant of €7,500 per employee and this is paid in two parts. The first half of the grant is paid when a person is taken on (on a full time basis) and registered for PRSI. The second half of the grant is payable six months later, if the person is still in full time employment.

• Tax clearance certificates are required in respect of employment grant payments
  

If your business is ineligible for grant aid then we will try and refer you to some other agency/body that can help.

      NOTE:  Not less than 30% of all grants shall be in repayable format.

Getting the Preparation Right

Before applying for a grant, you must produce a business plan. All applications for funding are accepted in the form of a business plan. The evaluation committee will then carry out a detailed assessment and recommend the most suitable level and type of support for your business.

Putting together a business plan is a great way of interrogating your ideas and will give you a better sense of how successful they will be. Use our Library, its full of helpful tips and advice that make the process easy. If you have any queries simply contact a member of the Enterprise Board Staff, we would be happy to help.

All projects must be in the commercial sphere
All projects must be capable of attaining independent economic viability