The Acumen Programme is a cross-border business development programme designed to stimulate cross-border sales and develop other forms of commercial co-operation amongst SME's throughout the island of Ireland. Financial support may be provided by way of salary and/or consultancy support.
Funding for the programme is comprised of contributions from the International Fund for Ireland, development agencies and participant companies.
What costs are eligible?
Enterprise Ireland support is provided towards the recruitment of a new key manager with skills that are critical for the development of cross-border commercial co-operation).
Maximum support limits
Region
|
Small Company |
Medium Company |
Large Company |
| Border, Midlands & West |
50% |
40% |
30% |
| South East, South West & Mid West |
50% |
40% |
30% |
| Dublin/Mid East |
50% |
40% |
30% |
The support listed above is based on a maximum salary of €37,500 per annum provided over a one year period.
The Intertrade ireland Acumen Programme is an Enterprise Ireland Category 1 support. Category 1 includes funding for consultancy, feasibility studies, mentor network service, and trade fair participation support.
A cumulative grant limit within a rolling two-year period for all proposals approved under this category of funding. For further information, please discuss with your Development Adviser.
The grant maximum is based on a percentage level of your expenditure and may be reduced if you have raised funds under the BES (Business Expansion Scheme) or SCS (Seed Capital Scheme).
Am I eligible?
You are eligible to apply for this funding if you are one of the following:
How do I apply?
Project ideas must be discussed with your Enterprise Ireland Development Adviser , or with InterTrade Ireland Acumen prior to submitting the completed application form. Following this discussion your Development Adviser will arrange for you to receive an application form if appropriate.
Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application by the Client Service Unit will not be eligible for grant aid.
If you are not already a client of Enteprise Ireland, please contact your Enterprise Ireland Regional Office.
Where can I get more information?
You can contact:
 |
Bernadette Dooley
Tel: + 353 42 935 4400 |
Details are also available from the Acumen Programme website.