Friday, 16 October 2026
There is a variety of grant funding available for consultancy support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To maximize these opportunities, it’s important to take a strategic approach in identifying the most efficient ways to utilize the grants and determine the best mix of funding that suits your business needs. Consultancy Grants for SMEs: Examples […]
There is a variety of grant funding available for consultancy support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To maximize these opportunities, it’s important to take a strategic approach in identifying the most efficient ways to utilize the grants and determine the best mix of funding that suits your business needs.
Grant funding is available to SMEs through the SEAI, Local Enterprise Office (LEO), and Enterprise Ireland (EI). These grants can be combined to provide ongoing financial support for businesses throughout their sustainability journey, not just for a one-off project.
| Grant | Covers | Eligibility |
| SEAI’s Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) | €2,000 voucher for energy audits | 1-50 employees (Micro/Small)Businesses with up to 50 employees Spend over €10,000 annually on energy (excluding transport) |
| LEO’s Green for Business (GFB) | Two days consultancy to develop a sustainability strategy, with the project scope defined between the business and the consultant. | 1-50 employees (Micro/Small) Turnover of more than €30,000 Trading for more than 6 months |
| Enterprise Ireland’s Greenstart | Funding for seven days of consultancy support for more comprehensive sustainability initiatives. | SME’s that are clients of EI |
These grants can be used together for maximum benefit. For example, a business may first perform an energy audit through the SSEA grant to identify energy-saving opportunities and develop Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction strategies. Then, use the GFB to conduct a carbon footprint assessment, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and build a full carbon reduction strategy.
Businesses are eligible for two GFB assignments, and after completing these, they can consult with the expert to determine the next steps. Potential follow on projects for a second GFB could include developing Sustainability Policies, a Sustainable Procurement Strategy, Circular Economy initiatives, or staff training—all supporting the business’s sustainability goals.
Smaller businesses that do not meet the €10,000 annual energy spend requirement for the SSEA can still perform an energy audit using the GFB. This allows them to access a free audit and subsequently carry out a carbon footprint assessment for their second GFB.
For larger projects, the Greenstart grant from Enterprise Ireland supports seven days consultancy, enabling businesses to create an in-depth sustainability strategy through the Climeaction FAST program:
F – Footprint: Carbon footprint assessment.
A – Audit: Energy audit.
S – Strategy: Carbon reduction strategy for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
T – Training: Tailored training to meet business-specific sustainability needs.
Alternatively, if a business has utilized the SSEA and GFB, it can then apply for the Greenstart grant and use the funding to support its journey toward B-Corporation Certification, a globally recognized standard for businesses committed to high social and environmental performance.
The Greenstart grant can provide financial support for consultancy services that help the business through the B Impact Assessment to meet the rigorous requirements of B-Corp certification.
In the Irish business landscape, where agility and innovation are key to staying competitive, consultancy grants present a valuable opportunity for SMEs to access expert support without bearing the full financial burden. These grants—offered through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices—can be transformative when used strategically.
To truly maximise the value of consultancy funding, SMEs should begin by identifying their most pressing challenges or growth opportunities, whether in areas like digital transformation, sustainability, export readiness, or strategic planning. Choosing the right consultant—someone with a proven track record, relevant sector experience, and a clear understanding of the business’s goals—is crucial. Equally important is developing a clear project scope with measurable objectives to ensure the consultancy engagement delivers tangible results.
It’s also vital to stay informed about available funding schemes and to maintain proactive communication with local business support agencies. In a rapidly evolving Irish and global economy, where sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation are becoming non-negotiable, consultancy grants can empower small businesses to adapt, scale, and thrive. When planned and executed effectively, they are not just a financial boost—they are a catalyst for long-term success.
Irish SMEs can access several consultancy grants for sustainability and business growth:
– SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA): €2,000 voucher for energy audits
– Local Enterprise Office Green for Business (LEO GFB): Two days of funded consultancy
– Enterprise Ireland Greenstart: Seven days of consultancy for advanced sustainability strategies
These grants can be combined for broader impact across energy, carbon reduction, and circular economy planning.
To qualify for the SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA), businesses must:
– Have 1–50 employees (micro or small enterprise)
– Spend over €10,000 annually on energy (excluding transport)
This grant provides a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of an energy audit.
Yes. SMEs in Ireland can combine the SSEA, LEO GFB, and Greenstart grants to maximise consultancy support:
– Start with an SSEA audit to assess energy use
– Use GFB to create a carbon footprint and sustainability strategy
– Apply for Greenstart to implement broader initiatives like B-Corp certification or circular economy plans
This step-by-step approach supports a complete sustainability journey.
The FAST framework under the Enterprise Ireland Greenstart grant includes:
– Footprint: Carbon footprint analysis (Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
– Audit: Energy efficiency audit
– Strategy: Carbon reduction roadmap
– Training: Customised training for employees
This model offers SMEs up to seven days of expert consultancy for long-term sustainability planning.
After the first GFB assignment, SMEs can apply for a second one focused on areas like:
– Sustainability policies
– Sustainable procurement strategy
– Circular economy initiatives
– Staff sustainability training
These follow-up projects support deeper integration of sustainable practices across business operations.
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