Question 1

How many Irish business grants does the Grant Matcher track?

Accepted Answer

The Ireland Grant Matcher tracks 45 major Irish grant, investment, voucher, allowance, accelerator, and tax-credit schemes. These include LEO grants (Feasibility, Priming, Expansion, Micro-Exporter, Trading Online), Enterprise Ireland programmes (New Frontiers, PSSF, HPSU, Innovation Voucher), founder supports (BTWEA, ESG, STEA), R&D and innovation funding, digitalisation supports, sustainability grants, and EU programmes.

Question 2

Is the Grant Matcher exhaustive? Are there more grants available?

Accepted Answer

No. While we track 45 major schemes, other grants exist. Local initiatives, sector-specific calls, and EU programmes not listed here may also be relevant. Always check with your Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland for the latest open calls.

Question 3

Can I apply for a grant before I start trading?

Accepted Answer

Some grants support pre-trading businesses (e.g., LEO Feasibility Grant, New Frontiers, NDRC Pre-Accelerator). Others require trading history (e.g., LEO Priming Grant, Enterprise Ireland PSSF). The Grant Matcher filters results based on your trading status.

Question 4

Do I need pre-approval before spending money for a grant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many grants require written pre-approval before you incur costs. The Grant Matcher highlights which schemes require pre-approval. Do not spend money expecting reimbursement without written approval.

Question 5

What is the best grant for a pre-revenue Irish SaaS startup?

Accepted Answer

For a pre-revenue SaaS startup in Ireland, the best starting points are typically: (1) LEO Feasibility / Innovation Grant (up to €15,000 for market validation and technical scoping), (2) New Frontiers (stipend + mentoring), and (3) NDRC Pre-Accelerator (free investor-readiness programme). If on welfare, BTWEA provides income support while starting up.

Question 6

Can I combine multiple grants?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but with rules. For example, you cannot use LEO support as co-investment for EI PSSF. Some grants require waiting periods between applications (e.g., 12 months between LEO Priming and Business Expansion). The Grant Matcher shows which schemes can be pursued in parallel and which require sequencing.

Ireland Grant Matcher

What You'll Get