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Grow Digital Voucher
Claim Up to
€5,000
Grow your business online,
through the Government’s
Grow Digital Voucher
Local Enterprise Grow Digital Voucher
Empowering Small Businesses to Thrive
Online with Up to €5,000 in Funding
Small and medium-sized businesses with up to 50 employees now have access to vital financial backing to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies. This support is tied to completing a "Digital for Business Project Report" within the last two years, outlining your strategy for digital transformation.
Grow Digital Voucher - Scheme Details
What's Covered?
The Grow Digital Voucher provides up to 50% of eligible expenses, with grants ranging from €500 to €5,000. This funding can be used for:
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Software subscriptions (up to 12 months) for e-commerce, CRM systems, accounting tools, and more.
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Training and configuration costs, capped at 50% of the software purchase price.
Grow Digital Voucher - How it Works
Each business is eligible for two vouchers, with a combined grant limit of €5,000. Approval for a second voucher depends on showing progress from your first project, as outlined in your "Digital for Business Project Report."
This funding can help cover critical investments that push your business forward, ensuring you have the digital tools and skills to succeed in a tech-driven world. Ready to future-proof your business? It starts here.
Grow Digital Voucher - Who Can apply?
The Grow Digital Voucher is available to small businesses with 1 to 50 employees that meet specific eligibility criteria:
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Completed Digital Planning: Applicants must have finalized a "Digital for Business Project" within the last two years.
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Independent Enterprises: Businesses receiving support from Enterprise Ireland or the IDA are not eligible.
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Established Operations: Applicants must be trading for at least six months, registered, and operating within a Local Enterprise Office region.
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Financial Stability: Businesses must demonstrate solvency through submitted financial statements.
The scheme supports companies, self-employed individuals, and partnerships engaged in trades or professions subject to taxation under Case I or II of Schedule D, as outlined in section 18(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 (TCA). Specific inclusions are:
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PAYG Customers: Sole traders and businesses paying as you go are within scope.
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Sports Organisations: Sporting bodies with taxable activities (excluding those exempt under section 235 TCA).
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Charitable Entities: Charities with income from activities that would normally be taxable, if not for an exemption under section 208 TCA.
Tax Compliance: Applicants must provide evidence of current tax clearance through Revenue's online system. A valid Tax Reference Number and Tax Clearance Access Number are required for verification.
By meeting these qualifications, your business can access the resources needed to embrace digital transformation and drive future growth.
Grow Digital Voucher - Ineligible Applicants
Certain businesses and organisations do not qualify for Small Capital Grants. These include:
Non-Commercial Entities:
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Charitable organisations.
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Commercial semi-state companies.
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"Not-for-profit" organisations that fail to meet eligibility requirements.
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Trade associations or representative bodies like Chambers of Commerce.
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Sporting bodies that do not align with the specific eligibility criteria.
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Other non-commercial entities or associations.
Excluded Sectors:
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Businesses operating in coal or steel industries.
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Entities active in primary agriculture, fisheries, or aquaculture.
Activities Deemed Ineligible or Risky:
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Gambling and Gaming: Activities associated with gambling, as defined by the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.
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Adult Entertainment: Any operations within this sector.
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Tobacco Products: Including production or sale of related items.
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Unauthorised Cannabis Products: Cannabis-based items not approved as medicines.
Grow Digital Voucher - Eligible Expenditure
The Grow Digital Voucher can be used for the following expenses, ensuring your business embraces cutting-edge technology effectively:
Software Subscription Fees
Funding is available for new business software subscriptions with the following criteria:
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New to the Business: Subscriptions must be for software the business has not used before. The annual cost must be incurred before grant payment is issued.
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Off-the-Shelf Solutions: Custom software or expanding licenses for existing systems are not eligible.
Examples of Eligible Software:
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E-commerce platforms.
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools.
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Systems for online bookings, payments, or appointments.
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Job tracking and field service management software.
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Solutions for order management or stock control.
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Industry-specific cloud-based SaaS applications (if new to the business).
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Field management or workflow management tools.
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Electronic invoicing or e-signature platforms.
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Standard office software for email, documents, or spreadsheets (if not already in use).
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Cybersecurity software (if introducing it to the company).
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Cloud-based accounting or payroll systems (if transitioning to the cloud).
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3D modelling tools, including Building Information Modelling (BIM).
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Analytics platforms, including AI-driven systems.
The scheme supports companies, self-employed individuals, and partnerships engaged in trades or professions subject to taxation under Case I or II of Schedule D, as outlined in section 18(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 (TCA). Specific inclusions are:
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PAYG Customers: Sole traders and businesses paying as you go are within scope.
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Sports Organisations: Sporting bodies with taxable activities (excluding those exempt under section 235 TCA).
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Charitable Entities: Charities with income from activities that would normally be taxable, if not for an exemption under section 208 TCA.
Training and IT Configuration
Support is also provided for expert assistance in setting up, integrating, and maintaining new software systems or ICT processes. This includes:
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Configuration Services: Professional help to integrate new technology into existing workflows.
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Training: Sessions for management and staff to ensure they can effectively use and maintain the systems, maximising business benefits.
Important Note: The combined cost for training and IT configuration must not exceed 50% of the software subscription fees.
This support ensures your business can adopt and leverage new technologies seamlessly, driving growth and efficiency.
Grow Digital Voucher - FAQ's
What is the Grow Digital Voucher?
This voucher provides financial support to small and medium-sized businesses aiming to adopt new digital tools and technologies. To qualify, businesses need to have 1 to 50 employees, be actively trading for at least six months, and operate within a Local Enterprise Office area. Applicants must also demonstrate solvency and have completed a "Digital for Business Project" within the past two years.
How does the funding process work?
The voucher covers up to 50% of eligible costs, with grants ranging from €500 to €5,000. Each business can avail of funding for up to two projects, but the combined grant amount cannot exceed €5,000. Approval for a second voucher requires proof of progress as outlined in the "Digital for Business" report. The grant is designed to support your digital transformation journey.
What costs are eligible under the scheme?
Funding can be used for new software subscriptions (up to one year) and associated training or IT setup costs. Eligible software includes tools for e-commerce, CRM, job tracking, cloud accounting, cybersecurity, and more. Expenses related to enhancing digital workflows or integrating new systems into your business processes also qualify.
Are there restrictions on what the voucher can be used for?
Yes, the scheme does not cover costs for custom software, expanding existing software licenses, or tools solely for regulatory compliance. Businesses in sectors such as gambling, adult entertainment, and tobacco-related industries, as well as primary agriculture or fishing, are not eligible to apply.
How many applications can a business submit?
Each business can apply for the voucher twice, but the total grant value across both applications is capped at €5,000. Approval of a second application depends on evidence of progress in digitalisation, as highlighted in the "Digital for Business" report.
Is the Grow Digital Voucher the same as the Digital for Business initiative?
No, these are separate schemes. The Grow Digital Voucher focuses on funding digital adoption, while Digital for Business provides consultancy support to optimise existing digital systems and explore new solutions.
What is Digital for Business?
Digital for Business is a Local Enterprise Office programme designed to enhance your digital edge. It includes an in-depth review of your current systems, guidance on improving existing tools, and expert advice on integrating new solutions to streamline business operations.
How can I find my Local Enterprise Office for support?
Visit the Local Enterprise Office directory to locate contact details for the office nearest to you.
Can Dublin Website Solutions assist with the Grow Digital Voucher?
Absolutely! Our team specialises in guiding businesses through the application process and helping you maximise the benefits of the scheme. From identifying eligible software to integrating tools into your business, we’re here to support your digital transformation.
