Deadline: October 24, 2025
The Business Area Promotion Grant 2026 is open for applications from recognised Business Groups.
The focus of the scheme is to help generate and sustain business activity by delivering tangible outputs such as increased footfall in their area, to encourage firms in an area to work collectively to promote and sustain business activity in their area, and to encourage businesses to work with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and other public agencies.
Recognised Business Groups are the only eligible applicants for this funding, and individual businesses cannot apply. Proposed activities must be designed around generating and sustaining business activity, encouraging collaboration among firms, and fostering partnerships with the Council and public agencies. Each application can cover a maximum of 75% of a project’s total cost, excluding VAT, with applicants required to demonstrate their ability to fund the balance. Successful applicants must initially cover 100% of costs and then provide proof of payment through vouched receipts and bank statements before claiming approved funding.
Each group or association can only make one submission per call under the grant scheme. A designated organisational bank account is necessary, along with copies of governing documents such as Memorandum, Articles, or Constitution. If approved, recipients must acknowledge the support of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council clearly in all associated events, publicity, websites, and social media, making use of the official branding provided. Invitations to grant-aided events must also be extended to An Cathaoirleach and/or An Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Council.
Applicants cannot have outstanding debts to the Council and must disclose any other government or agency funding at the time of applying. Projects requiring more than €10,000 in funding must include a valid Tax Clearance Certificate before drawdown. Additionally, applicants must follow all statutory and Council regulations, including necessary permits and consents, and ensure that Public Liability insurance is in place, as the Council bears no responsibility for insurance.
Funding must only be spent on the approved project purpose, and any changes must receive prior written approval from the Council. Projects must be completed within the same year of the scheme, and proper evidence of completion, including a written outcome report, must be submitted to remain eligible for future schemes. Non-compliance with conditions or failure to drawdown funding may affect future applications. Additional project-specific conditions may also apply, outlined in the official Letter of Offer.
For more information, visit Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
