LEO Priming Grant
50% of the investment, up to €80,000 on the national terms. Up to €150,000 only for projects that can grow into Enterprise Ireland clients. Each office sets its own maximum, which can be lower or higher, such as €50,000 in Dublin City and Cork City and €100,000 in Galway.
Last checked September 2026
What it is
Start-up grant for new small businesses in their first 18 months.
Who can get it
- A sole trader, partnership or company with up to 10 employees, in its first 18 months of trading
- Based in the area of the Local Enterprise Office you apply to
- Not in domestic retail, personal services, professional services or construction. Not already an Enterprise Ireland, IDA or Údarás na Gaeltachta client
- You must apply before you spend or commit to anything. Grants are never approved for costs already incurred
- It can cover equipment, salaries, consultancy, innovation, marketing and general overheads
- It pays at most 50% of the investment, so the business puts in at least half
- Employment support is capped at €15,000 for each full-time job created
- Each office sets its own maximum. Dublin City and Cork City cap it at €50,000 and Galway at €100,000, so check with your own office
How to apply
Talk to your Local Enterprise Office before you spend anything. Each office runs its own application and an evaluation committee decides the awards. Grants of €50,000 or more also need Enterprise Ireland approval.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 27 September 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is the LEO Priming Grant?
Up to 50% of the investment. The national maximum is €80,000, rising to €150,000 only for projects that can grow into Enterprise Ireland clients. Each office sets its own maximum, which can be lower or higher, so check with yours.
Can a sole trader get the LEO Priming Grant?
Yes. Sole traders, partnerships and companies can all apply if they have up to 10 employees and are in their first 18 months.
Can I get the LEO Priming Grant for things I have already bought?
No. You must apply before you spend or commit to anything. Grants are never approved retrospectively.
Which businesses cannot get the LEO Priming Grant?
Domestic retail, personal services, professional services and construction are excluded, as are businesses already supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA or Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Related guides
- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
- Enterprise Support Grant
- Earned Income Credit
- ACORNS
- Short-Term Enterprise Allowance
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