LEO Grants: Free Consultancy to €150,000 for Irish SMEs
Quick Summary
Your Irish SME can access up to €150,000 in government funding for digital transformation and AI implementation through Local Enterprise Office (LEO) grants. Start with free consultancy, then progress to software funding, and potentially major expansion grants. We'll show you exactly how.
About This Article Series: Complete Guide to Irish Business Grants for AI Implementation
This is the first in our comprehensive series covering all major government grants available to Irish SMEs for digital transformation and AI implementation. Each article provides in-depth, practical guidance on accessing funding from different government bodies.
The series covers grants from:
- Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) – The first point of contact for small businesses seeking support. With offices across Ireland, LEOs offer funding, mentorship, and training to micro and small enterprises. (This article)
- Enterprise Ireland – Provides funding to high-potential startups and companies planning international expansion, focusing on innovation, R&D, and export-led businesses. (Coming next)
- IDA Ireland – Focuses on attracting foreign investment but also offers grants to Irish businesses contributing to economic growth and job creation.
- Údarás na Gaeltachta – Supports businesses operating in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) regions, helping create jobs and promote economic growth in these areas.
- InterTradeIreland – Provides funding for businesses operating between Ireland and Northern Ireland to develop cross-border trade.
- Western Development Commission – The Business Investment Fund provides equity investment and loan finance for SMEs in the Western region.
Why this matters for AI implementation: Each funding body has specific grants that can support your AI journey, from initial assessment to full-scale implementation. Understanding which grants to apply for – and in what order – can mean the difference between struggling to fund innovation and having the government cover 50-80% of your costs.
Why Most Irish Businesses Miss These Small Business Grants
If you're running a small business in Ireland, you're likely leaving thousands – potentially hundreds of thousands – of euros on the table. The Local Enterprise Offices have a suite of grants specifically designed to help businesses like yours embrace digital transformation and AI, but most companies either don't know they exist or don't understand how to access them.
Here's the reality: while everyone's talking about AI and digital transformation, the costs can be daunting. The good news? The Irish government will fund up to 50% (sometimes more) of your digital transformation journey. Even better, you can start with completely free consultancy to figure out what you actually need.
At Deep Purple, we've helped multiple clients navigate these grants to fund their AI and automation projects. As an approved Digital for Business provider with several LEOs, we've seen firsthand how these grants can transform businesses – without breaking the bank.
LEO Grants Explained: Your €0 to €150,000 Journey
Think of LEO grants as a ladder. You don't need to jump straight to the top – you climb one rung at a time, building confidence and capability as you go. Here's how the funding journey typically works:
| Stage | Grant Name | Amount Available | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Digital for Business | Free | 3 days of expert consultancy |
| 2 | Grow Digital Voucher | Up to €5,000 | Software, training, implementation |
| 3 | Business Expansion Grant | Up to €150,000 | Major digital transformation projects |
The beauty of this system? You're not risking your own capital upfront. You start with free consultancy to understand what's possible, then gradually increase investment as you see results.
Digital for Business Grant: Free Consultancy Worth €2,700
Digital for Business is where most companies should start. It's completely free to your business – the LEO pays for an expert consultant to spend three days analyzing your operations and identifying opportunities for digital transformation.
What Actually Happens During Digital for Business?
When you work with a provider like Deep Purple, you can choose between two approaches based on your needs:
Option 1: AI Readiness Audit
- Discover what AI tools your employees are already using
- Assess your compliance with EU AI regulations and data privacy laws
- Identify security risks and governance gaps
- Get a clear picture of your AI readiness level
- Receive basic opportunity mapping
Option 2: Digital Opportunity Assessment
- Map your current business processes and pain points
- Identify specific areas where AI and automation can help
- Prioritise opportunities by impact and effort
- Develop a practical roadmap for implementation
- Get specific software recommendations
The outcome? A professional report that not only identifies opportunities but also unlocks your eligibility for the next level of funding.
Digital for Business Eligibility Criteria
According to the official LEO criteria:
- Small enterprises with 1-50 paid employees
- Not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or IDA
- Established and trading for at least 6 months
- Registered and operating within a Local Enterprise Office area (including LEO Dublin, LEO Cork, LEO Galway, and others)
Grow Digital Voucher Explained: €5,000 for Software & Training
Once you've completed Digital for Business and identified what you need, the Grow Digital Voucher helps you actually implement it. This grant covers 50% of eligible costs up to €5,000 maximum.
What the Grow Digital Voucher Covers
The official Grow Digital guidelines allow funding for:
- Software licenses: CRM systems, project management tools, AI platforms
- Training: Getting your team up to speed on new technologies
- IT configuration: Setting up and customising systems
- Integration costs: Connecting new tools with existing systems
- Automation setup: Implementing AI and workflow automation
You can even apply for a second Grow Digital Voucher if you demonstrate progress from the first one, though the total maximum remains €5,000.
Important Requirement
The Grow Digital Voucher requires you to have completed Digital for Business within the previous two years. This ensures you're implementing solutions based on professional assessment, not guesswork.
Business Expansion Grant Guide: Up to €150,000 Funding
For businesses ready to make a significant digital leap, the Business Expansion Grant can provide serious funding. While grants over €80,000 are exceptional (requiring clear export potential), even the standard maximum of €80,000 can transform your operations.
What Business Expansion Grants Fund
According to LEO guidelines, the grant covers four main categories:
- Capital items: Hardware, servers, equipment needed for digital transformation
- Salary costs: Hiring specialists to implement new systems
- Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs: Expert help with AI implementation, digital strategy
- General overhead costs: Supporting costs for the transformation project
Business Expansion Grant Eligibility
The official criteria include:
- Generally for businesses with 10 or fewer employees (some exceptions apply)
- Must demonstrate growth potential in domestic/export markets
- Show potential for job creation
- Have a clear business case for the investment
What makes this particularly interesting for AI and digital transformation? Many traditional businesses don't realise that implementing AI systems, automation platforms, and digital infrastructure all qualify under "innovation" costs.
Feasibility Study Grant: €15,000 for Innovation
If you're considering developing an AI-powered product or service, the Feasibility Study Grant can fund the research phase. This is particularly useful for:
- Testing whether AI can solve a specific business problem
- Developing prototypes of AI-enhanced products
- Researching market demand for AI solutions in your sector
- Technical development and proof of concept
Step-by-Step Application Process for LEO Grants
Phase 1: Initial Preparation
Determine Your LEO
Visit localenterprise.ie and find your local office based on your business address
Gather Basic Documents
- Company registration number (CRO)
- Tax clearance certificate
- Recent financial statements
- Employee count verification
Initial Phone Call
Contact your LEO and request information about Digital for Business
Phase 2: Digital for Business Application
Complete Application Form
Simple 2-page form with business details
LEO Review
Your application is reviewed (typically 5-7 business days)
Provider Selection
Request Deep Purple or choose from approved providers
Schedule Assessment
Agree dates for your 3-day consultancy
Phase 3: Assessment & Report
Day 1: Initial assessment and process mapping
Day 2: Deep dive into opportunities and challenges
Day 3: Solution design and roadmap development
Report Delivery
Receive comprehensive report within 2 weeks
Phase 4: Follow-on Grant Applications
Use Report as Foundation
Your Digital for Business report becomes supporting documentation
Choose Next Grant
Decide between Grow Digital or Business Expansion
Develop Business Plan
Create detailed implementation plan with costings
Submit Application
Include quotes, timelines, and expected outcomes
LEO Evaluation
May include presentation to evaluation committee
Approval & Funding
Sign grant agreement and receive first payment
Real Business Scenarios: How to Combine Grants
Let's look at how these grants work together for different AI and automation projects:
Scenario 1: The Cautious Adopter
You're curious about AI but not sure where to start:
- Start with Digital for Business (Free) to get an AI audit and understand opportunities in your business
- Apply for Grow Digital Voucher (€5,000) to implement a simple AI tool like automated customer service
- Assess the results and impact before making any further investment in AI technology
Scenario 2: The Ready-to-Scale Business
You know AI could transform your business:
- Begin with Digital for Business (Free) to create a comprehensive transformation roadmap
- Apply for Business Expansion Grant (€150,000) to implement enterprise-wide AI systems across your operations
- Use Grow Digital Voucher later for additional training or specialised tools
Scenario 3: The Innovation Leader
You want to develop an AI-powered product:
- Apply for Feasibility Study Grant (€15,000) to research and prototype your AI solution
- Secure Business Expansion Grant (€150,000) to build and launch your product to market
- Graduate to Enterprise Ireland funding for international export scaling
Common Misconceptions About Government Grants
Let's clear up some confusion:
"These grants are only for tech companies"
Absolutely not. They're designed for traditional businesses looking to modernise. Whether you're in manufacturing, retail, professional services, or hospitality, these grants apply to you.
"AI is too advanced for LEO grants"
On the contrary, LEO grants explicitly cover innovation and digital transformation. AI implementation fits perfectly within their remit.
"The application process is too complex"
Start with Digital for Business – there's minimal paperwork, and your LEO advisor will guide you through it.
"We're too small for this"
If you have even one paid employee and have been trading for six months, you likely qualify for Digital for Business.
Strategic Approach to Maximise Your Grant Funding
Here's the smart way to approach LEO funding for AI and digital transformation:
Start With Digital for Business (Even If You Think You Know What You Need)
Why? Because it's free, and it unlocks other grants. Plus, an external expert might identify opportunities you haven't considered. The report you receive becomes your business case for further funding.
Don't Rush to the Biggest Grant
The Grow Digital Voucher might seem small at €5,000, but it's perfect for testing AI solutions before making larger commitments. Use it to prove the concept, then scale with Business Expansion funding.
Think Beyond the Obvious
AI isn't just chatbots and automation. It includes:
- Predictive analytics for inventory management
- Quality control systems using computer vision
- Document processing and extraction
- Customer behaviour analysis
- Process optimization tools
Remember: Grants Rarely Cover Everything
LEO grants typically cover 50% of costs. But think of it this way – you're getting your digital transformation at half price, with expert guidance included. The return on investment often pays for itself within months.
How to Get Started with LEO Grants Today
Ready to access these grants? Here's your action plan:
Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you have 1-50 employees and have been trading for 6+ months
Contact Your Local LEO
Find your local office at localenterprise.ie. Tell them you're interested in Digital for Business
Prepare Basic Information
- Company registration details
- Number of employees
- Brief description of your business
- Initial thoughts on digital challenges
Choose Your Digital for Business Provider
You can request a specific provider like Deep Purple, especially if you're interested in AI implementation
Complete the Assessment
Work with your consultant to identify opportunities
Plan Your Funding Journey
Use the report to apply for Grow Digital or Business Expansion grants
Ready to Transform Your Business with AI?
Deep Purple is an approved Digital for Business provider with multiple Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. We specialise in helping SMEs navigate LEO grants while implementing practical AI solutions.
Start with free consultancy through Digital for Business.
Arrange a short call below or speak to your Local Enterprise Office and request Deep Purple as your provider.
Prefer to email? hello@deeppurple.ai
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Grants Ireland
Q: Can I apply for multiple grants at once?
A: Generally, you need to complete Digital for Business before accessing Grow Digital. Business Expansion can be accessed directly, but having a Digital for Business report strengthens your application.
Q: What if my business has more than 50 employees?
A: You may need to look at Enterprise Ireland programs instead. However, if you're just over the threshold, speak to your LEO – exceptions are sometimes made.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Digital for Business can typically be started within weeks of application. Grow Digital approval takes 4-6 weeks. Business Expansion grants may take 2-3 months due to the larger amounts involved.
Q: Can I use these grants for training my team on AI tools?
A: Yes! Training is explicitly covered under Grow Digital funding and can also be included in Business Expansion grants.
Q: What if I've already started my digital transformation?
A: Grants only cover future expenditure, not retrospective costs. However, you can still apply for the next phase of your transformation.
Conclusion: Your Funding Is Waiting
The biggest mistake Irish SMEs make isn't avoiding digital transformation – it's trying to fund it entirely from cash flow. With LEO grants available from free consultancy up to €150,000, there's no reason to delay your AI and digital journey.
Remember: every month you wait is a month your competitors might be using these same grants to get ahead. The funding is there, the support is there, and the opportunity is there.
Start with Digital for Business. It costs you nothing, requires minimal paperwork, and opens the door to everything else. Your AI transformation doesn't have to break the bank – the Irish government is ready to pay for half of it.
The question isn't whether you can afford to implement AI and digital solutions. It's whether you can afford not to – especially when there's this much funding available.
This article has provided comprehensive coverage of LEO grants, ideal for businesses with 1-50 employees. In our next detailed guide, we'll explore Enterprise Ireland grants with the same depth and practical insights, including:
- Step-by-step application processes for HPSU and Innovation grants
- Insider tips from successful applicants
- How to position your high-growth business for approval
- Common mistakes that lead to rejection
Stay updated: Follow Deep Purple on LinkedIn or Instagram to be notified when our next guide is published.
About Brian Egan
CEO, Deep Purple AI Consulting
Brian Egan is the CEO and Founder of Deep Purple AI Consulting. With extensive experience in digital transformation and a deep understanding of the Irish business landscape, Brian helps SMEs navigate the intersection of government funding and AI implementation.
Deep Purple is an approved Digital for Business provider with multiple Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland, specialising in helping traditional businesses embrace AI and digital transformation through government funding.