The aim of this initiative is to improve the strategic capability of manufacturing or international services companies by encouraging the engagement of outside consultants to assist in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives.   It will facilitate business growth as the consultants can act as coach, mentor, counsellor, facilitator, analyst, negotiator and/or operator in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives within client companies.

What costs are eligible?

Support will be provided towards the cost of fees paid for specific strategic development consultancy connected with the development and implementation of initiatives that are of strategic significance to the Company.  These initiatives may:

• carry out or contribute to a specific strategic review of one or more of the categories of the Business Development Model; and/or
• to implement/play a role in the implementation of the strategic initiatives at corporate or functional level

provided that the consultants are not engaged as an integral component of a Training or Research and Development project, or that they are not engaged for continuous or routine consultancy activities.

What costs are grant aided?

Maximum eligible expenditure for consultancy to include travel and subsistence and all out of pocket expenses is €900 per day, for a maximum of 30 days.

Maximum support limits

Strategic Consultancy is an Enterprise Ireland Category 1 support.  Other Category 1 funding supports include recruitment of a key manager,  Feasibility Studies,   market research, mentor network service, trade fair participation  and training support.

A cumulative grant limit within a rolling two-year period for all proposals approved under this Category 1 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).

Please note that approval by Enterprise Ireland of any grant sought in this application shall be subject to Enterprise Ireland being satisfied:
(a) of the merits of providing grant support to the activity set out in the application
(b) that the approval is in accordance with Enterprise Ireland policy
(c) that the approval is in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements
(d) that there are sufficient funds available to Enterprise Ireland

Am I eligible?

You are eligible to apply for this funding if you are one of the following:

• A manufacturing or internationally traded services SME company employing 10-249 people.
• A new High Potential Start Up company
• Companies must not be eligible to receive the support applied for from An Bord Bia, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara or An Bord Glas.

How do I apply?

Prior to applying you must do the following:

• Contact your assigned Development Adviser to discuss your application
• Obtain a four digit Application Code from your Development Adviser which will allow you to begin the online application process.
• First time applicants will be required to register on the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.

Please click here to apply online

Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application will not be eligible for Grant Aid.