GreenStart
Overview of GreenStart
The aim of the GreenStart assignment is to improve environmental performance through greater resource efficiency helping companies achieve competitive advantage and greater market share through enhanced credentials and cost savings. Projects may vary in scope from guidance with Environmental (/resource) management system to guidance with developing an Environmental Sustainable Strategy to Life Cycle or Circular Economy thinking. Companies can apply for grant support towards the cost of hiring a Green consultant/trainer to undertake a short in-company assignment.
Eligible assignments may include:
- Guidance with basic Environmental Management System:
- Guidance with preparation of an Environmental (water/energy/waste) Policy Statement and Management System based on a ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ philosophy.
- Review environmental activities & practices at the site.
- Provide advice on risks (financial, reputational, regulatory or physical) and how to mitigate them.
- Establish a baseline assessment to establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and identify cost savings.
- Provide introductory training for relevant staff.
- Assistance with access to other tools and resources to maintain performance and to improve resource efficiency.
- Guidance with developing an Environmental Sustainable Strategy
- Guidance with alignment to relevant UN Environmental SDGs
- Guidance with Life cycle assessment and/or Circular economy thinking
GreenStart is not just for manufacturing companies! Software and internationally traded services companies can avail of funding to learn about and implement environmental improvements to their business.
Companies can apply for grant support towards the cost of hiring an Environmental consultant/trainer to undertake a short in-company assignment which will introduce environmental best practice systems and structures, achieve cost reduction targets and lay a foundation for future environmental improvement projects. Assignments will typically be carried out over 10 to 12 weeks. Companies will be eligible to receive support for a maximum of 7 consultancy days to a limit of €5,000. Total project cost us €6,300. For more information, download GreenStart Assignment Guidelines.
Am I eligible?
GreenStart is open to SME’s and large companies that are Enterprise Ireland clients.
If you are interested in becoming an Enterprise Ireland client company, please click here.
GreenStart is also open to HPSU clients on a limited basis, please discuss with your Development Adviser to check whether it is open to your company.
What costs are eligible and what is the maximum funding available?
The typical cost of undertaking a GreenStart assignment is €6,300.
The maximum grant funding available from Enterprise Ireland is €5,000. If the cost of the GreenStart assignment is less than €6,300 the company is still required to pay the first €1,300 in costs.
Eligible Expenditure is limited to the cost of hiring an Environmental consultant/trainer for a maximum of 7 days. Note that actual costs to the company are based on market rates and may be higher.
The maximum daily fee payable to a consultant/trainer is €900 inclusive of travel and subsistence and all out-of-pocket expenses.
Note: Receipt of other grants from Enterprise Ireland may impact on your eligibility for support under this initiative.
What are the call close dates?
There are no call close dates. The process is not competitive and is approved by Enterprise Ireland management.
How do I apply?
All applications for funding should be discussed with your Enterprise Ireland Adviser prior to submission.
You can apply via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System:
Apply here
The online application forms provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete each tab.
Prior to applying you must do the following:
If the company has already initiated a GreenStart assignment before submitting an application to Enterprise Ireland, the application and associated expenditure will not be accepted.
Where can I find a suitable consultant/trainer?
A directory of service providers (.xlsx) interested in undertaking assignments under the Green Offer is maintained by Enterprise Ireland. The directory holds a profile provided by each service provider on their expertise and experience with environmental projects. A company may select a service provider from this directory, or it may select a consultant/trainer who is not. In either case, before the company applies for funding, sufficient information must be provided to Enterprise Ireland to demonstrate that the proposed consultant/trainer is qualified to carry out the proposed work and has previously carried out similar assignments satisfactorily. Service providers can apply for consideration to be added to the directory. Inclusion in the directory will be based on their experience and expertise.
Please ensure you carefully read the Guidelines for Use of Directory (.docx) prior to selecting from the list of service providers.
Disclaimer: Enterprise Ireland does not give any warranty, either express or implied, as to the qualifications or suitability of any of the persons on the list of service providers and Enterprise Ireland will not be liable for any loss and/or damage caused by a company’s decision to retain the services of such a service provider.
Claims Process
If you have completed a GreenStart project, details on the Claims process are available here
Key contact/more information
For more information, please contact your Enterprise Ireland Adviser.
If you are not a client, please contact your nearest Enterprise Ireland Regional Office.
For general enquiries about the Green Business Offer, please email green@enterprise-ireland.com
