Digital Discovery

The scheme page lists two groups under "Who is it for?":

• "Irish-owned business operating in the manufacturing/internationally traded services sectors employing 10 or more."
• "Enterprise Ireland high-potential startup (HPSU) clients."

It also says: "This grant offer remains open to applications from eligible Enterprise Ireland clients." The Terms of Reference linked from the page name these among the eligible companies: "Enterprise Ireland clients engaged in manufacturing or internationally traded services who employ 10 or more full time staff at the time of application. Enterprise Ireland high potential start-up clients."

If you do not have a Client Advisor, the scheme page sends you to Enterprise Ireland's Become a client page.

The Terms of Reference add: "Client companies of the Local Enterprise Offices, Údarás na Gaeltachta or IDA Ireland should contact their agency advisor directly for relevant supports."

Enterprise Ireland's July 2022 FAQ says: "Receipt of other grants from Enterprise Ireland may impact your eligibility for support under this initiative."

The scheme page says:

• "Up to 80% grant funding to a maximum amount of €5,000."
• "The support of an external Digital expert, for between 3 and 7 days, typically over 8-12 weeks."
• "This is based on 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. The maximum daily rate supported by Enterprise Ireland is €900; however, the actual daily rate charged by a provider may be higher or lower."

What the expert does can include, in the page's words:

• "Analysis of existing digital, data or automation systems in the business to identify potential gaps in meeting business needs."
• "Guidance on the implementation of new or enhanced digital, data, automation or AI solutions."

Its expected outcomes are: "The introduction of innovative digital, data, automation or AI technologies and solutions, AND/OR the creation of a digital, data and/or automation action plan, with targeted initiatives that can be implemented within the next 3 -12 months."

The page says: "Supports under the Digital Transition Fund are no longer funded under the Resilience and Recovery Fund. This grant offer remains open to applications from eligible Enterprise Ireland clients." It gives no closing date.

The scheme page lists these under "What is not covered?":

• "Routine or business as usual upgrades of Digital systems already in use that would not lead to a significant change in the business."
• "Paid-for software trials with technology vendors."
• "Assessments from technology platforms or software providers, the digital expert must be solution-agnostic."
• "General management consultancy including business strategy, market research, product development, financial review and planning, sales & marketing, HR planning or health & safety training, IT training for existing systems, routine consultancy audits including web, cyber security."
• "Scoping or sourcing equipment purchases or planning for other grant applications."
• "General business process or value stream mapping."
• "Routine consultancy audits including cyber-security, health & safety or energy"
• "Travel costs"
• "Projects better covered by existing tools and techniques (Open source, commercial tools, publicly available prototypes from the Tech Centers in Ireland)"
• "Projects not delivering business impact using technology", in the short term ("within the timeframe of the engagement") or the longer term.

The scheme page says the online application "should take you less than 10 minutes to complete." Its steps are:

1. "Choose a suitable consultant and discuss the potential project with them."
2. "Discuss the project with your Client Advisor". The page adds that most "will be supportive but will be keen to link this project with your export growth and job creation goals."
3. Apply now "and select the Access Advice (Digital Discovery) project option."
4. "Once your application is accepted and approved, you will receive a letter of offer. Later, when your project is completed, following the instructions in this letter (e.g. the completed progress report, plus your proof of payment to the consultant) will allow you to claim up to 80% of the money back."

On consultants, the July 2022 FAQ says: "There is no list of approved consultants related to this offer."

The scheme page sets these conditions on consultants: "Consultants and experts engaged for this grant support may not be employees of, nor shareholders of, nor have a direct financial interest in the company, nor have a contractual relationship with the company as their IT technology or services provider." It adds: "As part of the application assessment process, Enterprise Ireland may deem the proposed consultant unsuitable based on these or any other criteria that may arise and will engage with the applicant to discuss other options or deem the project ineligible."

Our AI Readiness Discovery has two options. One is 5 consultant days over 4 to 8 weeks for €4,500. The other is 7 consultant days over 4 to 8 weeks for €6,300. Prices exclude VAT. Both fall within the scheme's 3 to 7 days. The scheme lists "Travel costs" as not covered, and its daily cap is "inclusive of travel and subsistence". Our prices for both options include travel and subsistence, so there is no separate travel bill.

Each option includes a systems and data review, an opportunity shortlist with effort and value, a costed roadmap and an implementation plan. The scheme's expected outcomes include "a digital, data and/or automation action plan". The roadmap carries no obligation to buy implementation from us.

The scheme asks for a solution-agnostic expert. We are not a reseller of one vendor's AI tool. If you already have a contract with us for IT technology or services, read the consultant conditions above first.

The scheme page says the expert's days run "typically over 8-12 weeks". Compare that with the length of each of our options, given above, and ask Enterprise Ireland how the timing applies to you before work starts.