NCC-IE Cyber Security Improvement Grant

THE NCC-IE CYBER SECURITY IMPROVEMENT GRANT HAS FINISHED AND ADDITIONAL APPLICATION ROUNDS WILL NOT BE OPENED

In 2024/2025 the NCC-IE awarded grants to the total value of €1,743,513.22. As a result, the NCC-IE Cyber Security Improvement Grant positively improved the Cyber Security posture of 50 SMEs. Please click on the report for more information.

• Minimum Support: €20,000

• Maximum Support: €60,000

• Self-financing: 20%

• Total amount of aid: €2,000,000

• CLOSED

The National Cybersecurity Coordination and Development Centre, NCC-IE, is offering support to Irish small and medium companies to implement changes in their IT systems and practices to increase their cybersecurity and therefore help protect their businesses from cyberattacks. The NCC-IE Cyber Security Improvement Grant is open to SMEs that are Irish registered, Irish/EU owned and controlled and that have received a Cyber Security Report as a result of carrying out the Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Review.

The grant is co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme.

What is provided?

• Funding of 80% of the project cost (exclusive of VAT) to:
  • Implement priority recommendations from the Cyber Security Review .
  • Provide guidance on ongoing cybersecurity and future improvements.
  • Re-test your company's cyber security level post-implementation.

Who is it for?

• Companies looking to increase the cybersecurity of their IT systems, their operations, their staff and their administration.
• Small and medium enterprises registered in Ireland and owned and controlled in Europe.
• You must have undertaken the Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Review first.

Do I need to follow Public Procurement rules?

Applicants must follow public procurement rules when engaging the services of a provider, obtaining 3 written quotes for goods and services up to €50,000 or running an open tender process for goods and services equal to or above this amount. Applications which do not include evidence of Public Procurement compliance will not be eligible to receive funding.

It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure they have fully familiarised themselves with Public Procurement Rules before applying for the Cyber Security Improvement Grant. Please read section 1.9 of the Terms of Reference and the guidance documents provided for more information on Public Procurement compliance. You may also contact the Office of Government Procurement directly at support@ogp.gov.ie

How can I apply?

Applications open on 13 June 2025 and close at MIDDAY on 31 July 2025.

Applicants can download and complete the application form here .

Applicants must submit the completed application form and supporting documents by email to ncc-ncsc@ncsc.gov.ie . The supporting documents required are:

1. Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Review Letter of Offer.
2. A copy of the Enterprise Ireland Cyber Security Report, with the Risk Score clearly identified.
3. A Statement of Works, specifying project scope, timelines, requirements, and outputs.
4. Quote(s) from service providers for the goods or services to be procured for the project or evidence of an open tender process on eTenders.

Once your application is accepted and approved you will receive a letter of offer. Following the instructions in this letter (e.g. The completed report, plus your proof of payment to the consultant) will allow you to claim 80% (up to €60,000) of the money back (exclusive of VAT).

Further Application Details

• One Grant per company.
• Minimum project cost is €25,000.
• As part of the application, you will need your CRO number.
• The Grant is only valid for costs incurred after your application is approved.
• Closing date: MIDDAY on 31 JULY 2025
• The task breakdown should be agreed by the applicant and the chosen service provider and may vary depending on the needs. Note that NCSC will review all applications and reject those that are not in line with the objectives of the offer.
• Proof of own resources to cover 20% of project costs may be sought at any stage in the process.
• The grant shall not cover VAT. Please ensure to specify ex./incl. of VAT for all costs provided in the application or in any other submissions to the NCC-IE.

The application process is as follows:

• Applications are submitted between 13.06.2025 and 31.07.2025
• Application review.
• Decision made and application approved/rejected
• If approved, Grant Agreement is issued and accepted via DocuSign
• Project carried out with consultant
• Consultant invoices company
• Company pays invoice
• Company makes a claim to NCSC by submitting the correct documents.
• All claims must be submitted by 31st October 2025
• Company is reimbursed
• Company publicises the Cyber Security Improvement Grant project, including in any text produced 'the project is supported by the National Cybersecurity Coordination and Development Centre, Ireland, and is co-financed by the European Union'
• Applicants can download the claim form using the following link: Claim Form

Please note: The project must be complete within a valid timeframe i.e. the end date can be no later than 31 October 2025 and the start date can be no earlier than the commencement date of the Grant Agreement.

For more information on the Assessment Criteria and Assessment Process please see sections 3.4., 3.5 and 3.7. of the Terms of Reference.

Further information/Contact

If you need assistance, contact the NCC-IE at ncc-ncsc@ncsc.gov.ie .