The aim of the feasibility study initiative is to assist a company or individual to investigate the viability of manufacturing a new product or process or to develop a new internationally traded service.  The purpose of the study is to provide the necessary information to enable the promoter (and Enterprise Ireland) to come to firm conclusions regarding project viability.

This can include studies on product or process development projects, joint venture or licence agreements with home or overseas partners, new manufacturing or international service projects or expansion projects in manufacturing or international services which involve new or improved products to be manufactured in Ireland.

What studies are eligible for a feasibility grant?

Typical elements involved in carrying out a feasibility study include:

• Market research
• Cost analysis
• Financial projections
• Manufacturing process assessment
• Plant evaluation and selection
• Raw material sourcing
• Prototyping
• Negotiating with potential joint venture partners or obtaining a manufacturing licence may also be included.

NOTE: Studies solely based on market research are not eligible for assistance.

Which costs are eligible?

All applications for funding should be discussed with your Development Advisor prior to submission.  Salaries/wages and overheads may only be included in your application following discussions with your Development Advisor.

Maximum expenditure limits for feasibility studies are:

• Salaries/Wages €1,000 per week
• Expenditure under this heading is only eligible for companies with less than 15 employees, for a maximum of 60 days (excludes companies that are subsidiaries of larger groups).
•  Consultancy €900 per day to include all out of pocket expenses, for a maximum of 30 days.
•  Travel Economy class Air/Rail Fares
• Mileage €0.60 per KM within Ireland and Overseas
• Economy Car Hire
• Subsistence within Ireland*24 hr period €200 per day, Day rate €60 
• Subsistence Overseas* 24 hr period €400 per day, Day rate €70
• Prototype design and fabrication Maximum 25% of total study costs
• Overhead costs Maximum 30% of actual wage/salary costs, or in the case of individuals where salary/wages are not paid, the actual cost of overhead sundry expense items (rent, phone, postage, stationery)

* For all out of pocket expenses including hotels, meals, taxis, local fares, incidentals, etc.

Feasibility studies must be carried out wholly or mainly within the Republic of Ireland.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis to assess eligibility of the detailed proposal and associated costs. The amount of support is determined following this assessment.

Maximum support limits

Feasibility Study Grants are and Enterprise Ireland Category 1 support.  Other Category 1 supports include funding for consultancy, recruitment of a key manager ,  market research,  mentor network service, trade fair participation and training support.

There is a cumulative grant limit within a rolling two-year period for all proposals approved under this category of funding.  For further information, please discuss with your Development Adviser.

The grant maximum is based on a percentage level of your expenditure and may be reduced if you have raised funds under the BES (Business Expansion Scheme) or SCS (Seed Capital Scheme).

Please note that approval by Enterprise Ireland of any grant sought in this application shall be subject to Enterprise Ireland being satisfied:

(a) of the merits of providing grant support to the activity set out in the application

(b) that the approval is in accordance with Enterprise Ireland policy

(c) that the approval is in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements

(d) that there are sufficient funds available to Enterprise Ireland

Am I eligible?

You are eligible to apply if you are:

• Manufacturing or internationally traded services company
• A new High Potential Start Up company
• An individual, group or large company working to develop a business plan
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How do I apply?

Project ideas must be discussed with your Enterprise Ireland Development Adviser prior to submitting a completed application form. If you are not already a client of Enterprise Ireland, please contact your nearest Enterprise Ireland Regional Office or Shannon Development.

Grant Application Forms must be completed and returned prior to the commencement of the project to: Client Service Unit

Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application by the Client Service Unit will not be eligible for grant aid.