Once you have completed and submitted your application for the Productivity Voucher, it will be assessed competitively, subject to an evaluation process conducted by a nationally formed committee.
For more information on our Eligibility Criteria, go to Terms and Conditions and ‘Who Can Apply’ page.
The Local Enterprise Offices will carry out an evaluation of all eligible applications using the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria Weighting
1. Quality of the proposal and the potential demonstrated in the proposal for the business to address the challenge identified. 35%
2.Potential to grow the business. 25%
3.Impact of proposed changes on the competitive position of the company. 25%
4.The company’s financial track record. 15%
Explanation of the Criteria for Applicants
1. Quality of the proposal and the potential demonstrated in the proposal for the business to address the challenge identified.
Proposal should define the impact the challenge identified has on the company’s potential to achieve sustainable growth. The proposal must have the potential to improve existing operations through:
• Adoption of lean practices and principles
• Identification of cost reduction initiatives
• Identification of Green practices
• Introduction of waste reducing plans
• Enhancing customer experience
• Enhancing performance management
2. Potential to sustain and grow the business:
Proposal should define the expected impact on the company’s potential to achieve sustainable growth (e.g. job creation / retention, increased sales)
3. Impact of proposed changes on the competitive position of the company:
• Extent to which the project improves the competitive position of the company by addressing an identified threat or weakness to their business model
• Need for State support
4. The company’s financial track record:
• Assessment of the company’s trading history to date
• Financial viability of the company and capacity to carry out the project
An Evaluation Panel comprising industry and technical implementation experts and representatives of the Department of Business, Employment and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices will review applications against the stated criteria. This panel will independently score applications and rank them in order of merit. The score given by the panel will determine which of the applicants will receive the voucher.
At the end of the evaluation process,the winners will be announced from all the entries received. A shortlist of 200 businesses will be selected to receive a Productivity Voucher worth €2,500.
Successful applicants will be informed prior to year-end 2019 by your Local Enterprise Office. This date may be subject to change.
If successful, you will be presented with a formal Productivity Voucher.
You will be able to cash in the Voucher at your local enterprise office.
You will also be required to contribute 10% (€250) towards the initiative.
The Voucher also entitles its bearer to 3 days with a Business Expert to formulate a solution to your productivity challenge. The local enterprise office will help you engage a qualified practitioner to work on your Productivity Plan.
Once in receipt, you must use the support received to solve productivity or operational issues that you have identified in your business. This voucher is not transferable.