GradStart
Status not published
No call window is published; apply via the Enterprise Ireland online forms after discussing with your Client Advisor.
€30k (€15k per year) or 50% of individual graduate salary costs, whichever is lesser, for up to 3 graduates on 24-month full-time contracts. Graduates with required language proficiency: €42k (€21k per year on max salary €30k) or 70% of salary costs, whichever is lesser.
You must co-fund 50%. Work out the cash you need
public · national
Deadline: Open all year — No call window is published; apply via the Enterprise Ireland online forms after discussing with your Client Advisor.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Quick — mostly identity and bank details.
You fund 50% yourself.
This is de minimis aid. It counts against the €300,000 ceiling that applies to your company across a rolling three years in this member state (Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2831). If a new award would take you over, Article 3(7) disqualifies that award in full rather than reducing it — so check your headroom before you apply, not after. Check your headroom for Ireland.
Who can apply
- Up to 499 employees
- Stage: seed, Series A and growth
- Locally registered entity required
SMEs and mid-tier companies (fewer than 500 employees), large companies in certain circumstances, HPSU Accelerate companies, LEO and Udaras clients. Graduates must have graduated within the last four years and hold Level 6+ qualification; graduate must not be in a sales or marketing role. LEOs limited to 1 graduate (min 5 FT employees).
Related reading: How grant deadlines actually work · What is de minimis aid?
Source. https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/grad-start
"We provide financial support of €30k (€15k per year) or 50% of individual graduate salary costs, whichever is the lesser."
Last checked against the official page on 5 October 2026
Source: www.enterprise-ireland.com
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