Capital Funding Support

About this scheme

Capital Funding Support (also referred to as the Capital Investment Initiative) reflects Enterprise Ireland's strategic focus on helping client companies invest in new capital equipment and technology to improve productivity, competitiveness and international trade potential, including support for a digitalisation journey. Eligible costs include capital equipment and installation, computers and software used in the production process, licence costs, patents, and leasing/hire-purchase agreements that transfer asset title to the company; funding for technology acquisition is also available. It is aimed at Enterprise Ireland client companies employing 10 or more full-time staff and trading in manufacturing or an eligible internationally traded services sector. Grant funding starts at a minimum of €20,000, up to a maximum of €250,000, at a rate depending on company size: roughly 20-35% for small businesses, 10-25% for medium businesses, and 10-15% for large businesses. Claims for grants exceeding €400,000 must be certified by an Independent Accountant, with payment following a validation visit from Enterprise Ireland's inspection team.

Who can apply

• Must be an Enterprise Ireland client company employing 10 or more full-time staff, trading in the manufacturing sector or an eligible internationally traded services sector
• Project must demonstrate the potential to increase productivity while maintaining or increasing employment in the longer term
• Project must demonstrate the potential to increase international trade
• Minimum grant funding of €20,000; the grant rate varies by company size — approximately 20-35% for small businesses, 10-25% for medium businesses, and 10-15% for large businesses
• Eligible costs include purchase of capital equipment (and covering installation costs), computers and software used in the production process, licence costs, purchase of patents, and leasing/hire-purchase agreements that result in title to the asset transferring to the company
• Companies may also apply for funding for a technology acquisition under this support
• Claims in respect of grants approved in excess of €400,000 must be certified by an Independent Accountant

How to apply

1. 1Company works with its Enterprise Ireland Development Advisor to put forward a capital investment project demonstrating the potential to increase productivity (while maintaining or increasing employment in the longer term) and the potential to increase international trade
2. 2Company applies via Enterprise Ireland's online application process and, if approved, receives a Letter of Offer (Grant Agreement) confirming the grant title, Project Number, approved expenditure type and amount, and Final Claim Date
3. 3Company reviews its Letter of Offer, then downloads the Capital Investment Initiative Claim Checklist, Claim Form and Director Statement (one Excel file), plus an Insurance Brokers Statement
4. 4If the approved grant exceeds €400,000, the company arranges for an Independent Accountant to certify the claim using the M45 Independent Accountants Report template
5. 5Company submits the completed claim forms in Word/Excel format only, by email to IndustryGrantClaims@enterprise-ireland.com, with supporting documentation (invoices, payslips, etc.) saved as separate PDF files, Company Name and Project Number in the email subject line, and files encrypted using the company's CES ID; claims are not accepted by post
6. 6A Grant Payment Officer reviews the claim and seeks clarification if necessary; if in order, it passes to the inspection team, who arrange a visit to validate the claim
7. 7The inspector discusses the validation outcome and instructs the Payment Officer to pay, defer or disallow the claim
8. 8The Payment Officer authorises the claim and submits a payment request to Finance; details of the approved payment issue from Grant Payments