Local Enterprise Office
Priming Grant
aka LEO Priming Grant
Capital and salary support for a new microenterprise in its first 18 months of trading, up to EUR150,000 toward eligible costs.
Up to EUR150,000 (50:50 cofunded, max EUR15,000 per job)
Last reviewed May 2026
What this scheme funds
The Priming Grant supports the setup and early-stage costs of a new microenterprise. It can fund up to 50% of investment costs (or up to EUR15,000 per full-time job created, capped at EUR150,000), covering salary, capital equipment, fit-out, consultancy, marketing, training and intellectual property. The business plan is assessed by the LEO Evaluation Committee on viability, market opportunity and the displacement test (the LEO will not fund a business that would simply take work from existing local competitors). Priming Grants are typically focused on businesses in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sectors, but other sectors with strong job-creation potential are considered.
Cofunding
50:50
Application window
Quarterly LEO Evaluation Committee meetings
Who can apply
- •Microenterprise (fewer than 10 employees) trading less than 18 months
- •Sole trader, partnership, or limited company
- •Located in the LEO's area of operation
- •Project must create at least one new full-time job (typically)
- •Pass the LEO displacement test
How it typically funds software
- •Initial accounting and payroll software setup
- •CRM licences in the first year
- •Inventory or ERP for product businesses
Worth knowing
Software licence costs are generally only eligible within the project period and as part of a clearly defined investment plan, not as ongoing operational expense.
Software categories this can fund
Related grants
Local Enterprise Office
Business Expansion Grant
Match funding for established microenterprises (trading over 18 months) investing in growth, capped at EUR150,000.
Local Enterprise Office
Trading Online Voucher
Up to EUR2,500 on a 50:50 cofunded basis to build or enhance an e-commerce website, run digital marketing, or migrate to a new online platform.
Microfinance Ireland
Microfinance Ireland Business Loan
Unsecured business loans of EUR2,000 to EUR50,000 for microenterprises that have been declined credit by a bank.