Irish BIM Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme – A Quick Guide
The Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme is a grant programme overseen by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). It is open to Irish seafood processors (according to certain criteria), with the aim of funding transformational capital investment projects.
At SF Engineering, we have extensive experience delivering fish processing solutions that have a transformational impact on production facilities. We also have experience supporting clients in the grant application process.
So, we’re here to help. To find out more about the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme, read our quick guide below. To speak to a member of our team, please get in touch.
What is the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme?
The scheme is part of the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund that helps member states most affected by Brexit and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The funding in this scheme is for industry-led capital investment projects that will have a transformative impact, with a focus on “creating more from less”. Some of the aims of the scheme include:
- Producing higher-value products
- Shift of focus from primary to secondary processing
- Creating local jobs
- Making better use of landed and imported seafood
- Improving the sustainability of seafood processors
- Improving competitiveness
Who is Eligible for the Funding?
There are two main criteria you must meet to be eligible for consideration:
- SME – an autonomous company with fewer than 250 employees and either less than €50 million in turnover or a balance sheet of less than €43 million
- SFPA approval number – including either a fresh fishing products plant code or a processing plant code
When is the Deadline?
The due date for final applications is 31 August 2023, but applications can be submitted at any time as the scheme is currently open.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible and What Funding is Available?
There are three different types of projects that are eligible for this funding:
- Type 1 – transformational processing equipment. Specifically, product-aligned secondary processing equipment or equipment to implement a diversification strategy. An example includes equipment for the production of portioned seafood products for retail or food service. The scheme offers 50 percent funding for projects of this type.
- Type 2 – transformational processing equipment and energy efficiency investments. This differs from type 1 as it is for projects that involve the production of products earlier in the supply chain, as well as products for non-human consumption and projects that transform waste into products. It is also for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments. You can get 40 percent funding for projects of this type.
- Type 3 – primary processing efficiency and facilities investments. This is for primary processing projects or those that support secondary processing, where the investment aims to improve competitiveness, efficiency, and quality. An example includes projects not covered in type 1 or 2, but which involve the filleting, skinning, boning, or de-heading of products. The funding available for this type of project is 30 percent.
What Else Do You Need to Know?
There are other specialised criteria for each type of project covered by the scheme. Information is available on the BIM website, or you can contact us at SF Engineering for advice.
To speak to a member of our team, please contact us on 071 916 3334 or email info@sfengineering.ie.
