How do I find a fractional CRO in Dundalk in 2027?

flowchart TD A[Assess revenue gaps] --> B[Scope fractional CRO mandate] B --> C[Install operating cadence] C --> D[Review pipeline and forecast weekly] flowchart LR A[Diagnose GTM] --> B[Prioritize fixes] B --> C[Coach leaders] C --> D[Hand off system] Look for candidates who have worked in the Dublin-Belfast corridor, specifically in companies that sell to both the Republic and Northern Ireland. They should be able to explain the VAT implications of cross-border sales (e.g., the difference between Irish VAT at 23% and UK VAT at 20%) and the procurement processes of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Ask them to name three Dundalk-based companies that export to the UK market - if they cannot, they are not local enough. Should I use a grant from the Local Enterprise Office to pay for a fractional CRO? Yes, but only if the fractional CRO is willing to structure their engagement as a "management development" project rather than a sales role. The LEO grant typically covers 50% of the cost up to €10K per year, but the application requires a detailed business plan and a commitment to creating jobs. Be prepared to wait 4-6 weeks for approval, and ensure the fractional CRO has experience writing grant applications - otherwise, you will waste time on compliance. How do I prevent the founder from interfering with the fractional CRO's sales process? Create a "founder engagement protocol" that limits the founder's involvement to the first meeting with a prospect and the final closing call. The fractional CRO should manage all intermediate steps, including pricing and proposals. If the founder insists on calling prospects directly, set a rule that they must copy the fractional CRO on all emails and calls. In Dundalk, founders often interfere because they have personal relationships with prospects - the fractional CRO should leverage those relationships by asking the founder to make introductions, not to negotiate. What signals indicate I should convert the fractional CRO to full-time?