There are over 80 different government supports available to small businesses but many of them are not well known or understood. Each week in the SFA e-zine, we will profile a different support that could improve your business, giving you information and advice.

SME Smart Lighting Pilot Scheme

What? 

Up to 40% funding for replacing the cost of existing lighting. This lighting must be in working order and in a building that is in general use at the time of the application.

Expenses covered include:

• New energy efficient light products from the SEAI triple E register
• Decorative or specialised non-typical lighting products
• Emergency lighting as part of a retrofit
• Lighting controls
• Smart meter
• Design costs
• Installation equipment hire
• Project management costs
• VAT if applicable

Why? 

Energy efficient lighting can save you up to 90% on your annual lighting electricity costs, representing an important cost saving for small firms. For many businesses, however, the initial investment in upgrading their lighting poses challenges, so the SEAI is piloting a new grant scheme to help firms with this investment.

Even though SMEs individually consume small to moderate amounts of energy, collectively they account for a significant portion of national energy demand. SEAI has identified lighting as a priority technology for support in 2017.

How? 

Applicants must first fill out an application on the SEAI website and complete a lighting survey. Applications should be submitted by email to info@seai.ie.

Applicants should be individual businesses or group applications from the following sectors (other sectors considered on a case-by-case basis): 

• Fitness Centres
• Retailers
• Small Hotels / Large B&Bs
• Pharmacies
• Nursing Homes
• Jewellers

Applications must entail a whole building or facility, which includes lighting upgrades undertaken in all service areas within the building.

Tips

If you are interested in applying, don’t forget:

• Applicants should be located in the Republic of Ireland and must have less than 50 employees
• It is expected that up to 100 facilities will be upgraded under the pilot scheme and €700,000 has been made available
• SEAI has made available a sample installation specification here
• If you have any questions or need assistance from SEAI in advance of making an application, you can email info@seai.ie or call on 01 8082100
• Project needs to be fully completed and a claim for payment submitted by 27 October 2017
• Any ensuing claim to the Revenue Commissioners for an Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) should be made on the basis of costs net of the grant
• More information is available on the SEAI website.