Business Development Support is for businesses in the growth phase after the initial 18 months start up period. The Board's support for each project is strictly limited by the amount of eligible expenditure incurred ( max 50%). The overall maximum support is €80,000. In general the level of funding will also relate to the level of employment provided in the short to medium term at an indicative rate of €8000 per new job created. Eligible costs are:
Capital Items - equipment, fittings, hardware & software. Mobile assets are excluded ( cars, vans, mobile phones)
Salary costs - for the first year of employment
Rental / Accomodation costs - where the cost is not already subsidesed through State investment in the premises
Utility Set-Up costs - such as installation of power, phone and broadband
Marketing costs - including packaging design, brochures, trade fairs, websites and the adaption of these for export markets
Consultancy costs such as design fees, legal costs, accountancy, legal and architects fees
Business specific training - specialised training for management and key personnel that is necessary for the development of the business and not generally available from South Dublin County Enterprise Boar
Repayment
Normally two thirds of Business Development Support is refundable to the Board. The remainder is given as a non-refundable grant. Repayments begin after one year and continue quarterly over the following four years.
Eligibility
To qualify for support, all projects must have the potential to be commercially viable within a reasonable timeframe, employ 10 or less and must be located within South Dublin County. Priority is given to manufacturing and internationally traded service projects (for details download ITS)
Projects in the following sectors cannot be supported financially: Professional services; Construction & Allied Trades; Retailing & Distribution; Transportation; Printing & Publishing; Alternative Therapies & Complimentary Medicine. However non - financial supports are available to businesses in these sectors.
How to Apply
It is good practice to contact a member of staff for guidance at the earliest opportunity. Click here to download The Business Development Support Application Form. It can be emailed, faxed or posted to the Board.
Business Plan
Please note that a comprehensive and up to date business plan is required with each funding application. Click here to download the Business Plan Guide & Template. Six copies of the Application Form and Business Plan with any supporting documentation should be submitted to the Board.
The Process
If any clarification of your application is necessary, you will be contacted by our staff. The application will be considered at the next monthly meeting of our Evaluation Committee and Board. If approved, you will be notified and asked to sign an agreement which sets out the full terms and conditions of the funding offer.
Drawdown of funding
Information will be provided on the drawdown process at the time of accepting the offer of funding.
Capability Development
Clients are strongly encouraged to participate in the various business and management skills development offered by the Board including the Mentor Programme