As one of the founders of IntegriLeads, a dynamic business development company based in Laois, I am delighted to share our positive experience with Laois LEO.
Over the past five years, our headcount has tripled reflecting our growth and success. This expansion has been fuelled by our dedication to excellence and the invaluable support from Laois LEO.
IntegriLeads specializes in generating high-quality sales appointments for our clients in the tech space.
Our reach spans Ireland, the UK, EMEA, the US, Canada, and Australia. Since our inception, we have been honoured with several accolades, including the Best Startup in Laois in our first year of business, recognition as IBYE Regional Finalists, Business All-Star Accreditation in our field, and a spot as finalists in the National Enterprise Awards.
The journey from a small startup to an established company with international clients has been exhilarating, and Laois LEO has played a crucial role in this.
The support we received in the form of priming & business expansion grants were instrumental in our early development and subsequent growth.
Additionally, the mentoring services provided by Laois LEO offered us strategic insights and guidance that were pivotal to us.
The team at Laois LEO has always been incredibly helpful and encouraging, providing us with the resources and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of growing a business.
Their commitment to supporting local enterprises is evident in the tailored advice and unwavering support they offer.
We highly recommend that anyone starting a business or looking to expand connects with Laois LEO. IntegriLeads is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support system”.
Aisling Kirwan
Co-Founder & Sales Director @ IntegriLeads
Local Enterprise Office Laois provides a range of financial supports designed to assist with the establishment and/or growth of enterprises (limited company, individuals/sole trader, and partnerships) employing up to ten people.
Priority will be given to businesses in manufacturing, internationally traded services, and domestically traded services with the potential to trade internationally.
In some cases, depending on certain eligibility criteria, businesses with 10 employees or more may be eligible.
We offer a variety of financial supports to assist the start-up, development, and expansion of small businesses in the manufacturing and services sectors (based upon eligibility criteria) as follows:
Priming Grant: for businesses trading <18 months
A Priming Grant is a business start-up grant available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of startup.
The maximum Priming Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser. Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum grant of up to €15,000 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support grant aided.
Expenditure may be considered for Capital items; Salary costs; Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs and general overhead costs.
Business Expansion Grant: for businesses trading >18 months
The Business Expansion Grant is designed to assist business in its growth phase after the initial 18-month start-up period.
Micro enterprises that have availed of a Priming Grant are ineligible to apply for a Business Expansion Grant until 18 months after the final drawdown date of the Priming Grant except in exceptional circumstances.
The maximum Business Expansion Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser.
Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum grant of up to €15,000 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support grant aid.
Expenditure may be considered for Capital items; Salary costs;Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs and general overhead costs.
Feasibility/Innovation Grant:
This is designed to assist the promoter with researching market demand for a product or service and examining its sustainability. It includes assistance with innovation.
The maximum feasibility study grant payable is 60% of proposed costs (net of VAT) or €15,000, whichever is lesser.
If you are setting up or expanding a business then contact us to see if you are eligible for support. Expenditure may be considered for Capital items; Salary costs;Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs and general overhead costs. Expenditure may be considered for Market Research, Consultancy Costs, Technical Development/Prototype/Innovation,Salary/Own Labour Research and Miscellaneous Costs.
The above grants may be available for sole traders, partnerships or limited companies that fulfil the following criteria:
- The enterprise must not employ more than 10 people; In some cases, depending on certain criteria, businesses with 10 employees or more may be eligible, please contact your Local Enterprise Office advisor for more information on eligibility.
- The enterprise must be established, registered and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office.
- The enterprise must operate in the commercial sphere.
- The enterprise must demonstrate a market for the product/service.
- The enterprise must have potential for growth in domestic and/or export markets and also potential for new job creation.
Grant aid does not support those areas such as retail enterprises, personal services, professional services, construction/local building services, as this is considered to give rise to unacceptable deadweight (where the project would have proceeded anyway) and/or displacement (where the projects may displace business from other players in the market).
To get more information or discuss any of the above you can request a meeting with our Business Advisory Team on 057 86 61800 or email localenterprise@laoiscoco.ie.
Check out www.localenterprise.ie/laois or our social media channels for a list of all of our business supports.
