Business Expansion Grant

(For businesses trading more than 18 months)

WHAT IS THE BUSINESS EXPANSION GRANT ?

The Business Expansion Grant is designed to assist the business in it's growth phase after the inital 18 month start up period.  Micro enterprises that have availed of a Priming Grant are ineligible to apply for a Business Expansion Grant until 18 months after the final drawdown date of the Priming Grant, except in exceptional circumstances.

Business Expansion Grants may be awarded to sole traders, partnerships, community groups or limited companies that fulfil the following criteria.

• Located with Westmeath CEB geographical area.
• A business which, on growth, may or may not have the capacity to fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio.
• A business employing up to 10 employees.
• A Manufacturing or Internationally traded services business.
• A Domestically traded service business with the potential to trade internationally.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU RECEIVE ?

The maximum Business Expansion Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.

Grants over €80,000 and up to €150,000 shall be the exception and shall 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 up to €7,500 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support grant aided.

WHAT CAN YOU RECEIVE A GRANT FOR ?

Expenditure may be considered under the following headings :

Capital Items - including fit out of workspace, office equipment, machinery, computer costs. (Note : acquisition of building and purchase of mobile assets are excluded from grant aid)

Salary Costs.  For first year of employment.   Maximum grant aid available of €7,500 per new full time job created.

Rental / Accomodation Costs.  For first year of project. 

Utility Costs.  These include installation costs for telephone & broadband. (Note mobile phone costs are excluded)

Marketing Costs. These include packaging, brochures, 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 Boards general training programme.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ?

To apply for financial assistance for your business you should contact a Business Advisor at Westmeath County Enterprise Board.  They will advise you fully on completing application forms once you are deemed eligible to apply.

Appointments with Business Advisors can be made by calling 044-9349222 or by email to :

Aileen Mc Grath : amcgrath@westmeath-enterprise.ie

Christine Charlton : ccharlton@westmeath-enterprise.ie