Enterprise Ireland Grants for AI: A Complete Guide for SMEs

One of the best-kept secrets in Irish business is that the government will pay for a significant portion of your AI strategy work. Enterprise Ireland runs several grant schemes specifically designed to help SMEs adopt new technologies — and AI advisory services qualify under multiple programmes.

The challenge is that the grant landscape is complex, with different schemes having different eligibility criteria, application processes, and approval timelines. This guide cuts through the complexity.

Which Grants Are Relevant for AI?

Digitalisation Voucher / Digital Advisory Scheme

This is the most accessible starting point for many SMEs. The scheme provides funding for strategic digital and technology advisory — which includes AI strategy, process automation scoping, and digital transformation planning. Grant levels typically cover 50–80% of eligible costs up to a defined cap. The application process is relatively straightforward and decisions are usually made within weeks.

Who qualifies: Companies manufacturing or internationally trading services, based in Ireland, with growth ambition. Most SMEs with 10+ employees qualify.

Business Process Improvement Grant

Specifically targets operational efficiency improvements — making it a strong fit for AI automation projects. Covers advisory costs for identifying and implementing process improvements, which maps directly to what an AI audit and implementation engagement delivers.

Innovation Partnerships

For businesses pursuing more advanced AI projects — custom model development, proprietary automation systems, or technology that could become a competitive differentiator. These grants are larger but require collaboration with a research institution and a longer approval process.

Structuring Your Engagement to Maximise Funding

The structure of your engagement matters for grant eligibility. Grants typically cover advisory and consulting fees — not software licences or SaaS subscriptions. This means an engagement structured as:

• AI Strategy & Audit (advisory) ✓ Eligible
• Process Mapping & Automation Design (advisory) ✓ Eligible
• Implementation oversight and project management (advisory) ✓ Eligible
• SaaS platform licences ✗ Generally not eligible
• Hardware ✗ Not eligible

When we work with clients who want to access grant funding, we structure engagements to clearly delineate the advisory components (grant-eligible) from any tool costs (not eligible). This ensures you maximise the portion of your investment that qualifies for funding.

The Application Process: Step by Step

1. Check eligibility. Visit the Enterprise Ireland website or call your regional office. They'll confirm which schemes you qualify for based on your sector, size, and turnover.
2. Get a quote from a registered consultant. Most grant schemes require you to use an approved consultant. Tenzing AI works within these frameworks — we can advise on this during a discovery call.
3. Submit your application. This typically involves a brief description of your project, your quote, and a statement of expected outcomes. For smaller vouchers, the application is often a single page.
4. Await approval. Timelines vary from 2 weeks (smaller vouchers) to 3+ months (larger innovation grants). Critical: do not begin work before written approval is received.
5. Complete the engagement and claim. After delivery, submit your invoice and completion report. Payment is typically made within 30 days.

Common Mistakes That Disqualify Applications

• Starting work before approval. This is the most common and most costly mistake. Retrospective applications are almost never approved.
• Using a non-approved consultant. Check the approved list before contracting anyone.
• Vague project descriptions. Applications need to clearly state what will be delivered, what problem it solves, and what outcomes you expect. Generic descriptions get rejected.
• Applying for the wrong scheme. Some grants are for manufacturing only, others for services. Some require minimum turnover thresholds. Check carefully.