LeanStart

LeanStart provides an introduction to Lean concepts and allows you to gain an understanding of what the tools and techniques can do for you and your company in a short, focused engagement.

The programme involves up to 7 days support from an external Consultant/trainer working directly with an eligible company, typically over an 8-12 week period.

The goals of a LeanStart project may include;

• The introduction of Lean or related process improvement principles to a company,
• The completion of a specific improvement project to show the value of the approach, and/or,
• The development of a Lean / Organisational Innovation & Digitisation roadmap or action plan (this should normally include an assessment or benchmark of the current situation).

A LeanStart project can be an ideal introduction to a Digitalisation journey for your company, using Lean to map out and measure processes can lay the ground-work for automation of repetitive tasks, thereby freeing up staff to work on value-adding activities for customers.

Note that LeanStart is not a general consultancy grant and cannot be used for items such as;

• IT implementation projects (i.e. installation and customisation of new systems);
• HR consultancy;
• Health and Safety initiatives;
• Market research or Marketing

What costs are eligible and what is the maximum funding available?

The eligible costs are for external Training or Advisory Services provided by a suitable Lean Service provider.

Enterprise Ireland will provide grant funding for 80% of the project cost up to a maximum of €6,300 (€5,000 grant). This is based on 7 days Training or Advisory Services where the eligible costs are capped at €900 per day inclusive of travel and subsistence and all out-of-pocket expenses. Note that while the maximum daily rate supported by Enterprise Ireland is €900, the actual daily rate charged by a provider may be higher or lower.

Note: Receipt of other grants from Enterprise Ireland may impact on your eligibility for support under this initiative.

LeanStart 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.

LeanStart 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.

There are no call close dates. The process is not competitive and is approved by Enterprise Ireland management.

How to 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.

Prior to applying you must do the following:

• Contact your assigned Enterprise Ireland Adviser to discuss your application.
• First time applicants will be required to register on the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.

If the company has already initiated a Lean Start assignment before submitting an application to Enterprise Ireland, the application and associated expenditure will not be accepted.