IDA Ireland
LeanStart
LeanStart introduces IDA client companies to Lean principles and agile processes through up to 7 days with a Lean consultant, including completion of a specific cost reduction project. It can also help companies develop a strategic roadmap for their digitalisation journey, and assignments typically extend over 8 weeks.
- Grant range
- Up to €5,000. Capped at €900 per day
- Funding level
- 79%
- Support type
- Grant
- Last checked
- 3 Sept 2026
About this scheme
LeanStart is the entry-level tier of IDA Ireland's Lean/Digitalisation Business Offer, delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland. It provides up to 7 days with a Lean consultant to introduce Lean principles and agile processes to a client company, with IDA support of up to €5,000 towards the €6,300 eligible project cost, including the completion of a specific cost reduction project. LeanStart can also help a company develop a strategic roadmap for its digitalisation journey, encompassing a review of existing systems, processes and capabilities and an assessment of new digital opportunities. Assignments typically extend over 8 weeks. The programme begins with a diagnostic audit of current practice and performance; key performance indicators are then established using tools and methodologies tailored to the client's situation. Expected outcomes include achieving cost reduction or digitalisation targets, successfully piloting a 'Lean' approach, and establishing a foundation for further Lean, productivity, or digitalisation projects.
Who can apply
- Up to 7 days with a Lean consultant, including completion of a specific cost reduction project
- Consultancy fees set at €900 per day
- Client project eligible costs of €6,300, with IDA Ireland support of €5,000
- Available to all IDA Ireland client companies engaged in manufacturing or services activities, subject to eligibility as determined by IDA Ireland
- Funding from IDA Ireland depends on factors such as company size, stage of development, and existing capability in continuous improvement methods, digitalisation, and sustainability
How to apply
- Contact your IDA Project Executive to discuss the Lean/Digitalisation Business Offer.
- Complete a diagnostic audit of current practice and performance; the relevant IDA Digitalisation Diagnostic is also completed where appropriate for digitalisation-related work.
- Key performance indicators are established, based on a set of tools and methodologies tailored to the client's situation.
- Engage with a Lean consultant to complete the LeanStart assignment, which typically extends over 8 weeks.
- Funding support is determined by IDA Ireland based on factors such as company size, stage of development, and existing capability in continuous improvement methods, digitalisation, and sustainability.