Why Upskill SME Training Grant?
A highly skilled workforce is key to building competitiveness. We know for many businesses investing in upskilling for employees can be challenging. Skillnet Ireland offers two types of supports to SMEs to upskill their teams and address their skills gaps. Firstly, we offer a wide range of subsidised upskilling options through our 70 Skillnet Business Networks. SMEs can now also benefit from the Upskill SME Training Grant to reclaim some of the cost to the business of releasing staff to participate in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland Business Networks and National Initiatives.
The Upskill SME Training Grant offers SMEs the opportunity to recover the following costs associated with staff training - salaries, travel, subsistence and accommodation. This is a benefit to companies seeking to build a skilled, efficient, and innovative workforce. Upskill SME Training Grant is managed by Skillnet Ireland and funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
How to Apply for the Upskill SME Training Grant
Upskill SME Training Grant is a cost recovery scheme that enables SMEs based in the Republic of Ireland to reclaim staff costs and expenses incurred after completing eligible upskilling training programmes.
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The first step of the process for SMEs is to complete registration to verify it is a valid business registered and operating in Ireland for at least 12 months. SMEs need to complete the Eligibility Questionnaire. Click register now for details of the information needed and documentation to be supplied at this stage.
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Once the training has been completed, download and submit the Training Completion Form.
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Once a company has successfully completed the Registration Step, the SME can now complete and submit the Application for Cost Recovery to claim training-related expenses incurred when engaging with training with a Skillnet Business Network or National Initiative. The application must include all required documentation.
Step 1: SME Registration
The first step of the process for SMEs is to complete registration to verify it is a valid business registered and operating in Ireland for at least 12 months. SMEs need to complete the Eligibility Questionnaire. Click register now for details of the information needed and documentation to be supplied at this stage.
Step 2: Complete your Training
Once the training has been completed, download and submit the Training Completion Form.
Step 3: Application for Training Grant
Once a company has successfully completed the Registration Step, the SME can now complete and submit the Application for Cost Recovery to claim training-related expenses incurred when engaging with training with a Skillnet Business Network or National Initiative. The application must include all required documentation.
Eligibility Criteria
The Upskill SME Training Grant is designed to support established SMEs based in the Republic of Ireland. To qualify, companies must meet the full eligibility criteria of the Scheme.
Eligible Companies
- SMEs based in the Republic of Ireland employing between 2 and 250 employees.
- SMEs that are at least 12 months in operation and registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
Ineligible Companies
- Large private companies with over 250 employees.
- Small or Medium sized businesses that do not meet the EU Criteria for SMEs.
- Public sector organisations.
- Charity or not-for-profit organisations.
- Businesses based outside the Republic of Ireland.
Eligible Training Programmes
- Applicants can only apply for training completed with a Skillnet Business Network or Skillnet National Talent Initiative at this time.
- Training must be delivered within the Republic of Ireland.
- Training must be at least 0.5 days duration and take place during the employees contracted working hours.
- Training must be funded by the employer.
- Grant applicants must provide satisfactory evidence of training participation and completion.
Ineligible Training Programmes
- Statutory or mandatory training programmes are not eligible for this scheme.
- Training programmes which take place during the employees own time, outside working hours.
- Any training that is funded by the employee.
Eligible Employers Costs
- Staff salary costs for the participation days on the eligible training programme participation.
- Travel and subsistence costs associated with staff training. Subject to a maximum of public service rates.
- Staff salary costs are based on base salary only and do not include employers PRSI, pension payments or any other related costs.
Ineligible Employer Costs
- Training fees are not eligible for the Upskill SME Training Grant.
- Employer salary and travel and subsistence costs for training that exceed the maximum grant. Maximum grants are dependent on company size.
Click here to download the Upskill SME Training Grant’s full eligibility criteria and supporting documentation required to support grant claims from applicants.
Where the application does not meet the required eligibility criteria, it will not be approved.
Contact Details
Our dedicated customer support team is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except public holidays, offering guidance and assistance to ensure a smooth and efficient application journey.
Phone: 01 9637790
Email: upskill@skillnetireland.ie
Support is available across key stages of the process, including:
- Pre-Registration Support: Guidance on eligibility criteria and help with initial queries before beginning the application process.
- General Support Queries: Answers to common questions about the scheme, eligibility, and participation requirements.
- Application Process Support: Step-by-step assistance to help applicants and Network Managers navigate the online application system, ensuring all required information is complete and accurate.
“Workforce development is a critical factor for Ireland’s economic success. The fewer obstacles there are for businesses to provide upskilling to employees, the better. This grant provides support to companies aiming to build competitiveness through skills.”
- Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland
Upskill Your Business
Develop the skills your team needs to advance your business competitiveness. Find a subsidised upskilling programme through a Skillnet Business Network or National Initiative based on your sector, or in your region and discover how we can help you develop the talent your company needs.
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