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 €1,500 per day.

Maximum support limits

Support of up to €65,000 or 50% of eligible expenditure subject to a maximum of €130,000 may be available.

Please note that support under this initiative will form part of the €65,000 combined maximum level of support available for all funding awarded under Category 1 (Exploring New Opportunities) over a rolling two-year period.

Category 1 includes funding for consultancy, recruitment of a key manager,  Feasibility Studies,   market research, mentor network service, trade fair participation  and training support.

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?

Project ideas must be discussed with your  Enterprise Ireland Development Adviser prior to submitting a completed application form. If you are not already a client of Enterprise Ireland, please contact your nearest Enterprise Ireland Regional Office or Shannon Development.

Grant application forms must be completed and returned prior to the commencement of the project to:

Client Services Unit

Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application by the Client Service Unit will not be eligible for grant aid.