Business Development Programme (Digitalisation Consultancy Grant)

About this scheme

IDA Ireland's Business Development Programme is designed to support companies in digitally transforming their operations in Ireland to improve their strategic influence and impact internationally. The grant covers 50% of the investment, up to a maximum of €300,000, towards the cost of consultants who work with a company's Irish leadership team to develop a Strategic Digital Transformation Programme built around disruptive, sustainable technologies. To engage, a company discusses its digitalisation needs with its IDA Project Executive and, with IDA support, chooses an approved consultant. Together they work through key steps: defining goals and objectives; mapping current and future business processes and information flows; assessing current IT systems; producing an architectural blueprint and technology roadmap; developing costing estimates; and resourcing activities such as project management and change management. Companies can apply at any time by contacting their IDA Project Executive or the Talent Development & Digitalisation team.

Who can apply

• Company discusses digitalisation needs with an IDA Project Executive and chooses an approved consultant to work with
• Client leadership team must commit to the process, complete the application form for funding support, choose the consultant, and work through the agreed process until a desired outcome is achieved
• Consultant costs of up to €1,500 per day are eligible for grant aid

How to apply

1. 1Discuss digitalisation needs with your IDA Project Executive to see if this programme could help.
2. 2IDA Project Executive seeks support from IDA Ireland.
3. 3Client leadership team commits to the process.
4. 4Choose an approved consultant to work with in developing a Strategic Digital Transformation Programme, covering: defining goals and objectives; mapping “as-is” key business processes and information flows; assessing current IT systems and alignment with the new business strategy; mapping “to-be” business processes, information flows, and reporting requirements; creating a comprehensive architectural blueprint and technological roadmap; producing high-level costing estimates; and providing resources such as project management, data cleansing, and change management.
5. 5Complete the application form for funding support.
6. 6Work through the agreed process with the consultant until the desired outcome is achieved.
7. 7Companies can apply at any time by contacting their IDA Project Executive or the Talent Development & Digitalisation team.