This initiative aims to develop the market development skills of small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) by providing support towards internal costs which they may incur when researching new markets for products and services. Eligible costs include the wages of those employed to undertake the marketing programme, travel and subsistence, and internal costs in relation to new market trials for products/services.
This assistance is provided under the De Minimis rule.
The de Minimis rule is a special provision of the European Union under which permission is given to exceed state aid rules provided that the total aid under the rule to any particular applicant, regardless of which state organizations the aid comes from, does not exceed €300,000 in any 3-year financial period.
This applies to undertakings not involved in sectors such as agriculture or fisheries.
To recommend a grant under the rule, it must be recommended under one or more of the schemes that Údarás na Gaeltachta is authorized to operate, but stating that it is being recommended under the de Minimis rule and in compliance with the conditions and process laid down for it.
▪️ Fisheries and Aquaculture: The aid ceiling in Ireland is set at €30,000 per undertaking over three years. An upper limit of €40,000 exists at the EU level, however, it is subject to the establishment of a central national register by the Member State.
▪️ Agriculture: Aid specifically for primary agricultural production in Ireland is capped at €20,000 per undertaking over three years. This limit is set at €25,000 for Member States with a central register.