Key Manager Grant

About this scheme

The Key Manager Grant, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Employment & Training Supports, helps eligible enterprises attract senior leadership talent, such as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer or R&D Manager, capable of delivering significant, measurable improvements in productivity or output to meet defined market requirements. The only eligible cost is the employee's gross annual salary (excluding Employer's PRSI, bonus and commission); the maximum grant level depends on the state aid basis applied, with guidance available from the company's Údarás Development Advisor. Sales/Marketing Manager and Business Development Manager roles with sales/marketing responsibility are explicitly excluded, and all applications go through a Commercial Assessment by Údarás na Gaeltachta / Enterprise Ireland. A company may apply for support towards two Key Manager positions within a rolling 12-month period. As with other schemes, payment is made on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.

Who can apply

• Companies employing 10 or more employees (or full-time equivalents) at the time of application
• Engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
• Trading for at least 2 years at the time of application
• High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) may be eligible and will be considered case-by-case
• Eligible cost is the employee's gross salary cost per annum; eligible salary costs exclude Employer's PRSI, bonus and commission
• Ineligible positions: Sales/Marketing Manager/Business Development Manager with responsibility for sales and marketing activities
• A company may apply for support for two Key Manager positions in a rolling 12-month period
• All applications are subject to a Commercial Assessment by Údarás na Gaeltachta / Enterprise Ireland

How to apply

1. 1Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support, including advice from your Údarás Development Advisor on the applicable state aid basis and maximum support level.
2. 2Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
3. 3Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office; the application will be subject to a Commercial Assessment by Údarás na Gaeltachta / Enterprise Ireland.
4. 4If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
5. 5As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
6. 6Claim the grant by submitting a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and that all approved expenditure has been paid.