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Údarás na Gaeltachta

31 schemes tracked

Lean Start

Lean Start helps businesses identify processes that don't add value for customers; by creating standard approaches, visual management systems and Lean coaching leadership, a business can embed a culture of continuous improvement. The programme involves up to 7 days of support from an external consultant/trainer, typically over an 8-12 week period, with the grant payable at a rate of 80% of eligible costs up to a maximum grant of €5,000.

Grant range
Up to €5,000
Funding level
80%
Support type
Grant
Last checked
3 Sept 2026
Start this application on Údarás na Gaeltachta's website (opens in a new tab)

About this scheme

Lean Start, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Lean Manufacturing Supports, helps businesses identify processes that don't add value for customers, using standard approaches, visual management systems and Lean coaching leadership to embed a culture of continuous improvement. The programme funds up to 7 days of support from an external consultant/trainer working directly with the company, typically over an 8-12 week period, covering coaching in waste identification and structured problem-solving, establishing more effective workplace organisation systems, and establishing better communication and collaboration systems such as visual management, coaching leadership, and Gemba walks. Lean Start is explicitly not a general consultancy grant, and cannot be used for IT implementation projects, HR consultancy, Health and Safety initiatives, or market research/marketing. The grant covers 80% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €5,000. 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

  • Engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
  • Employ a minimum of 10 staff
  • The purpose of the grant is to assist the applicant in engaging a Lean expert to support a company-driven Lean initiative, with practical hands-on guidance including: coaching in waste identification and structured problem-solving; establishing more effective workplace organisation systems; and establishing better communication and collaboration systems (visual management, coaching leadership, Gemba walks, etc.)
  • Consultancy costs are capped at €900 per day, inclusive of travel, subsistence and all out-of-pocket expenses
  • Ineligible: Lean Start is not a general consultancy grant and cannot be used for IT implementation projects (specification, installation and customisation of new systems), HR consultancy, Health and Safety initiatives, or market research/marketing

How to apply

  1. Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
  2. Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
  3. Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
  4. If 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. As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
  6. Claim 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.