Economic Development Grants

Waterford City & County Council is providing support to encourage new businesses to locate in vacant properties within Waterford City Centre and town and village centres across the county, with the aim of reducing vacancy, increasing footfall and enhancing the vitality of urban areas.

This scheme provides financial incentives and business supports to assist eligible applicants in establishing a new retail, service or office-based business in a qualifying vacant property.

Supports available under the scheme may include rates relief for up to three years, a start-up grant paid over a three-year period to contribute towards fit-out and operational costs, and access to business supports such as mentoring, training, marketing and sustainability advice, where eligibility criteria are met.

All supports are subject to approval, scheme criteria and the availability of funding.

How it works?

1. Applicants must complete the online application form and provide details of the proposed business, the vacant property, and confirmation that the property has been vacant for a minimum of one month.
2. If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified of the supports approved under the scheme, which may include rates relief and a start-up grant, subject to the scheme criteria.
3. The applicant must return the Supplier Set-Up Form by emailing the completed form to suppliersetup@waterfordcouncil.ie. This form is required to enable payment of any approved grant support.
4. Grant payments will be made on submission of valid invoices and confirmation that the business is actively trading, in line with the approved terms and conditions of the scheme.

Apply Here Supplier Set Up Form Terms & Conditions

Waterford City & County Council is extending a support to assist in the improvement of visible facades (upper and lower floors) of buildings in high notable areas of Waterford City, Tramore Town Centre and Dungarvan Town Centre.

This scheme allows for up to 50% of the cost of improvement works (excl. VAT) to the exterior presentation of a building, including upper floors, up to €2,000 (amount decided upon approval).

How it works?

1. Applicants must complete the application form and submit two quotes for the estimated costs, a description of the proposed works, and photographs of the property.
2. If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified of the grant amount approved and given a deadline of six months to complete the works.
3. The applicant must return the Supplier Set-Up Form by emailing the completed form to suppliersetup@waterfordcouncil.ie. This form is required to enable payment once the works are completed.
4. Once the works are complete, the applicant must submit invoices and photographs of the completed works. Grant aid of up to 50% of eligible costs (excluding VAT) will be paid, subject to the maximum amount approved.

Apply Here Supplier Set Up Form Terms & Conditions