Looking to bring your business into the digital era without breaking the bank
Well then you are in luck The new Grow Digital Voucher is here to replace the old Trading Online Voucher and help you level up your online presence Whether you are aiming to streamline your internal processes or finally launch that eCommerce website you have been dreaming about this scheme has got your back
In this article we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Grow Digital Voucher program how it works who is eligible and what it covers We will also highlight the key benefits so you can see how it could transform your business
What Is the Grow Digital Voucher
The Grow Digital Voucher is a government backed grant scheme designed to support small and medium businesses (up to 50 employees) in Ireland It provides funding to help you adopt digital tools that boost efficiency enhance sales and keep you competitive in the fast paced online marketplace
It is essentially the next step up from the Trading Online Voucher with more comprehensive coverage and a bigger focus on helping your business truly embrace technology So if the Trading Online Voucher used to be on your radar but you did not get around to applying or you have simply outgrown it the Grow Digital Voucher might be the perfect solution
Key Benefits of the Grow Digital Voucher
- Up to €5,000 in Funding
- The Grow Digital Voucher covers 50 percent of eligible costs from a minimum of €500 up to a maximum of €5,000.
- You can apply for up to two vouchers as long as they total no more than €5,000 combined
- Embrace Digital Transformation
- From new eCommerce platforms to advanced CRM systems the voucher supports tools that modernise your business operations
- Stay Competitive
- By going digital you can better meet customer expectations and stand out from your competitors
- Expand Your Reach
- Sell your products or services online streamline your order process and tap into new markets
- Funding for Training
- If you need a helping hand setting up or integrating your new software the voucher also covers training and configuration costs
Who Is Eligible for the Grow Digital Voucher
To qualify for a Grow Digital Voucher you must
- Have between 1 and 50 paid employees
- Have completed a Digital for Business Project with your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) within the past two years
- Not be a current client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA
- Be established and trading for at least 6 months
- Be registered located and operating within the LEO area
- Have your tax affairs in order with a valid tax clearance
This applies to businesses of all shapes and sizes including certain sporting bodies and charities that can demonstrate trading activity under the relevant tax regulations
Ineligible Applicants Include
- Companies with strictly charitable status or not for profit structures that do not meet the trading criteria
- Commercial semi state companies
- Associations like Chambers of Commerce trade associations or other non commercial bodies
- Businesses operating in coal steel primary agriculture fishery or aquaculture
- Gambling adult entertainment tobacco or cannabis related industries
What Does the Grow Digital Voucher Cover
Here is the fun bit The Grow Digital Voucher focuses on investing in software and its proper setup configuration and related training Essentially if it will help you take a digital leap forward it might qualify for funding
1 Software Subscription Fees
- For new software only This must be a fresh tool or platform that you have not used in the past
- Eligible costs cover up to a maximum of one year subscription incurred upfront
- Examples of eligible software
- eCommerce platforms
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Online booking or appointment systems
- Field service management or job tracking tools
- Stock management or order management solutions
- Cloud based accounting payroll or analytics
- Standard office software if you have not used it before
2 Training and IT Configuration
- Covers the cost of professional help to set up or integrate your new digital system
- Helps you or your team get proper training to use the software
- The total cost of training configuration should not exceed 50 percent of your software subscription fees
What Is Not Covered
- Custom or bespoke software development only off the shelf solutions are supported
- Regulatory compliance systems e g those purely for legal or statutory requirements
- Software you already have in use or subscription renewals
How to Apply for the Grow Digital Voucher
- Contact Your Local Enterprise Office
- Start by chatting with your Local Enterprise Office They will confirm your eligibility and guide you through the application process
- Complete the Digital for Business Project
- If you have not done so already you will need a Digital for Business report completed within the last two years
- Prepare Your Documents
- Have your tax clearance access number and tax reference ready along with your business plan or financial statements
- Submit Your Application
- Fill out the forms provide all required documentation and wait for your LEO to approve your funding
Can You Apply More Than Once
Yes you can apply for a maximum of two Grow Digital Vouchers but the total combined grant cannot exceed €5,000 The second voucher also requires that you show clear progress from the first project
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Is the Grow Digital Voucher the Same as the Trading Online Voucher
No but it is like a bigger and better version that focuses on a wider range of digital needs beyond just trading online
2 Who Should I Talk To if I Have Questions
Your Local Enterprise Office is the go to place They offer guidance on eligibility and the application process
3 What Happens if I Already Have Some Software Solutions in Place
That is okay The Grow Digital Voucher is aimed at new software tools or upgrades that significantly boost your online capabilities Expanding existing licenses alone usually does not qualify
4 Can I Use the Voucher for Ongoing Subscription Fees
Only for one year The scheme typically covers your initial 12 months of a new subscription
How We Can Help You Make the Most of the Grow Digital Voucher
We are all about helping Irish owned businesses unlock their full potential online If you have got your eye on the Grow Digital Voucher we can help you
- Identify the right software platforms for your needs
- Provide expert setup and integration
- Deliver team training so everyone knows how to get the most from your new digital tools
- Create a robust SEO and PPC strategy to boost your online visibility
We do it all in one place from web development to drone photography to advanced marketing campaigns Plus we are a fully Irish owned agency and certified partners with Google and Meta making us an all in one solution for your digital growth
Take the Next Step
Why wait to bring your business up to speed The Grow Digital Voucher is your golden ticket to finally embrace the digital realm and leave your competitors in the dust If you are ready to revamp your tech stack launch new eCommerce initiatives or just streamline your day to day tasks the Grow Digital Voucher could be the perfect fit
Interested in learning more
- Chat with your Local Enterprise Office about eligibility and application steps
- Get in touch with us and let us help you seamlessly implement your new digital solutions
Ready to get started Drop us a message today and let us guide you through every step of the process from scoping out the software to training your team to become digital powerhouses
Your digital transformation starts now and the Grow Digital Voucher is here to make it happen
