Did you know the Irish government offers grants that could cover up to 50% of the cost of your business website? If you are a small business owner looking to get online or upgrade your existing site, there is funding available that can make a real difference to your budget. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Trading Online Voucher and the newer Grow Digital Voucher, including eligibility, how to apply, and how to make the most of your grant.
The Trading Online Voucher (TOV): What It Was
The Trading Online Voucher was one of the most popular small business grants in Ireland for over a decade. Administered through Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), it helped thousands of Irish businesses get online for the first time or improve their existing websites.
The TOV provided a grant of up to EUR 2,500 towards the cost of developing an online trading presence. It was 50% co-funded, meaning the business paid half and the LEO covered the rest. To qualify, your business needed to meet the following criteria:
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Annual turnover under EUR 2 million
- Trading for at least 6 months
- Limited or no existing online trading capability
- Must have attended a LEO information webinar
Important: The Trading Online Voucher closed to new applications in late 2024. It has been replaced by the Grow Digital Voucher, which offers even more support. If you have seen references to the TOV elsewhere, check that the information is current. The details below cover the scheme that is actually available in 2025 and 2026.
The Grow Digital Voucher: What Is Available Now
The Grow Digital Voucher replaced the Trading Online Voucher with enhanced support for Irish businesses. It is the current government-backed grant for digital development and is available through your Local Enterprise Office.
Here is what you need to know:
- Grant value: Up to EUR 5,000 (50% co-funded, so you pay half)
- Eligible businesses: Businesses with up to 50 employees (expanded from the TOV's 10-employee limit)
- What it covers: Software subscriptions that are new to the business, including digital training and IT configuration (up to 50% of software cost)
- Requirement: You must complete a Digital for Business assessment before applying
- Available through: Your local LEO (Local Enterprise Office)
What the Grow Digital Voucher Covers
The voucher is designed to help businesses adopt new digital tools. Eligible items include:
- E-commerce platform subscriptions (e.g. Shopify, WooCommerce hosting)
- CRM systems (e.g. customer management software)
- Booking and scheduling software
- Job tracking and field service management tools
- Cloud-based accounting software
- Analytics and reporting tools
- Cybersecurity software
- Website hosting platform subscriptions (where the platform is new to the business)
- Training and IT configuration for any of the above (up to 50% of software cost)
What Is NOT Eligible
- Bespoke or custom website development (one-off project fees)
- Custom software development
- Expanding existing software licenses
The Grow Digital Voucher is a significant upgrade on the old TOV in terms of grant value and business size eligibility. While it does not cover bespoke website builds directly, it supports a wide range of digital tools that work alongside your website, including hosting and digital tools. See how much a website costs to plan your budget.
How Can the Grow Digital Voucher Work With Your Website Project?
While the Grow Digital Voucher does not cover bespoke website design as a one-off project, it can help cover the ongoing digital tools that make your website work harder for your business. For example:
- Website hosting and maintenance subscriptions
- CRM software to manage leads from your new website
- Online booking systems integrated with your site
- Email marketing platforms
- Review management tools
- Analytics and reporting software
This means you could use the voucher to cover up to 50% of your first year of hosting, automation, and digital tools alongside your website project.
At System Setter, our monthly hosting plans (from EUR 29/month) and business automation add-ons are the type of digital tools the Grow Digital Voucher is designed to support. We can help you identify which of our services may qualify.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The application process is straightforward, but it does require some preparation. Here is how it works:
- Contact your Local Enterprise Office. Find your nearest LEO at localenterprise.ie. Let them know you are interested in the Grow Digital Voucher.
- Complete a Digital for Business assessment. This is a free online assessment that evaluates your current digital capabilities and identifies areas for improvement. It is mandatory before applying.
- Attend an information webinar. Your LEO will schedule these regularly. The webinar covers the voucher details, what is eligible, and how to submit a strong application.
- Submit your application with three supplier quotes. You need to get quotes from three different providers for the work you want done. This is a standard requirement for government grants and ensures fair pricing.
- Receive approval. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Once approved, you can proceed with your chosen supplier.
- Complete the project and claim your grant. After the work is finished, submit your invoices and proof of payment to the LEO. They will reimburse the grant portion (up to 50%) directly to your account.
One important note: you should not start the project or make any payments before receiving approval. The LEO will not reimburse costs incurred before the voucher is formally granted.
How System Setter Can Help
We have helped multiple clients use their vouchers to fund their websites, and we make the process as easy as possible. Here is how working with us fits with the voucher scheme:
- Our pricing aligns with voucher amounts. Our Starter package at EUR 799 and Growth package at EUR 1,299 are well within the Grow Digital Voucher limits. For example, if you choose our Growth package, your voucher could cover EUR 650 of the cost, meaning you pay just EUR 649 out of pocket. See our pricing tiers for full details.
- We provide all the documentation you need. We supply detailed quotes, itemised invoices, and project summaries in the format LEOs require. No chasing paperwork or guessing what to submit.
- We guide you through the process. From initial enquiry to final claim, we can advise on what to include in your application and help you present a strong case to your LEO.
- Fast turnaround. Most of our websites are delivered in 7 to 14 days, well within the typical voucher completion window.
If you are thinking about applying for the Grow Digital Voucher or have already been approved, we would love to help you get the most out of your grant. Book a strategy call to discuss your options and we will walk you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Trading Online Voucher still available?
No. The original Trading Online Voucher closed to new applications in late 2024. It has been replaced by the Grow Digital Voucher, which offers up to EUR 5,000 (double the old TOV amount) and is open to businesses with up to 50 employees.
Can I use the voucher for SEO or digital marketing?
The Grow Digital Voucher covers software subscriptions that are new to the business, such as analytics tools, CRM systems, and digital marketing platforms. It does not cover bespoke services like custom SEO work as a one-off fee, but ongoing software subscriptions for marketing tools may be eligible.
Do I need to pay upfront?
Yes. The voucher is a reimbursement grant. You pay your supplier in full, then submit invoices to the LEO to claim back up to 50% of the approved costs. Make sure you have the cash flow to cover the full amount initially.
How many times can I apply?
Businesses can generally apply for the Grow Digital Voucher once. Check with your Local Enterprise Office for the most current rules, as terms may be updated.
Disclaimer: Eligibility and approved costs vary by Local Enterprise Office. We always recommend contacting your local LEO directly to confirm what is covered for your specific project. We are happy to help you prepare your application.