The Enterprise Support Grant (ESG) is designed to support new enterprises that are set up under (BTWEA) Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or (STEA) Short-Term Enterprise Allowance.

An INTREO Case Officer/Advisor can approve a grant for someone seeking employment under this scheme where an applicant must be able to demonstrate (by way of documentary evidence – a bank statement or similar) if requested by a Case Officer that they can make a matching contribution of at least 20% to access the level of grant support available. In general; funding will relate to start-up expenses but can be accessed throughout the BTWEA/STEA scheme.

The projected costs looking to be supported by this grant should be included in the business proposal and the plan submitted in respect of the BTWEA/STEA, as should the ability of the applicant to provide matching funds. Costs that are not anticipated in the planning process can be considered during the lifetime of the enterprise support, where the participant remains in contact with the INTREO case officer/advisor and advises him/her on ongoing progress.

The maximum amount available is €2,500 (to the upper limit for each business category in the table below) for the 24-month period of the BTWEA claim.

For those on STEA, it will be on a pro-rata basis €1000 Max (9 months) and €625 (6 months).

The level of funding that is granted, if any, is at the discretion of the INTREO Case Officers. This is a discretionary fund and a jobseeker does not have an entitlement to access this programme other than by way of meeting the eligibility criteria, meeting quality requirements, and subject to the provision of sufficient funds to meet the costs arising.