How to Access Ireland’s New LEO Grants: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
The Trading Online Voucher is gone. But if your business operates in Ireland, two new LEO grants offer even better support.
The Local Enterprise Office offers two linked programmes to support small businesses: Digital for Business (consultancy) and the Grow Digital Voucher (financial support). Businesses must first complete the free consultancy. This unlocks up to €5,000 support from the Grow Digital Voucher.
Keep reading our guide to learn about each programme, who qualifies, and the correct steps to follow. It’s written to help small businesses avoid confusion and benefit from the digital support available through the Local Enterprise Office.
What Replaced the Trading Online Voucher?
LEO launched two new supports that give you a digital edge:
- Digital for Business – fully funded consultancy that shows you how to improve or digitise your systems.
- Grow Digital Voucher – a grant of up to €5,000 to implement the tools recommended in your consultancy report.
You must start with Digital for Business to access the Grow Digital Voucher.
Apply for Digital for Business
What is Digital for Business?
Digital for Business is a free consultancy from your Local Enterprise Office. It helps you improve your business’s use of digital tools and opens the door for up to €5,000 in funding through the Grow Digital Voucher.
A trained digital consultant will:
- Look at how your business runs
- Spot gaps or systems that slow you down
- Recommend tools to help you save time, grow faster, or serve customers better
You’ll get a clear Digital for Business report. This report shows what to improve and helps you qualify for the next funding stage.
If your business needs support to go digital, this is where to start.
Who Can Apply
You’re eligible if you:
- Employ between 1 and 50 people
- Have traded for at least 6 months
- Operate within the Republic of Ireland
- Are tax compliant
- Are not a client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA
This applies to limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships. Check your eligibility here.
What You Need To Do for Digital for Business
- Contact your Local Enterprise Office and request to join the Digital for Business programme.
- Wait for official approval. You must receive approval before moving forward.
- Get matched with a LEO-approved consultant
- Complete your digital consultation and get a report.
Note: Don’t book or pay anyone until LEO approves your application. Otherwise, you risk losing your funding.
Apply for the Grow Digital Voucher
What is the Grow Digital Voucher?
The Grow Digital Voucher gives you up to €5,000 in funding to help your business go digital. It covers half the cost of new software, systems, or training that improve how you work.
To apply, you must first complete the Digital for Business consultancy. Your consultant’s report will guide what the funding can cover.
Here’s what you get:
- 50% funding towards approved digital tools and training
- Minimum grant: €500
- Maximum grant: €5,000
- You can apply for up to two projects, but the total support can’t go over €5,000
- All spending must match what’s recommended in your digital report.
You can apply for a second voucher if you show progress from the first one.
What It Can Fund
The Grow Digital Voucher funds implementation of digital solutions recommended in the Digital for Business report. Eligible expenditure includes:
- New off-the-shelf software that the business has not used before
Examples include:
– CRM systems
– E-commerce platforms
– Online booking or payment systems
– Stock control or order management software
– Industry-specific cloud-based tools
– Cybersecurity or cloud accounting software
– AI or analytics platforms
– 3d modelling or design tools
– Office software (email, spreadsheets, documents) if not already in use - Training and system setup support, where required to:
– Configure or integrate new software
– Train staff or management to use the system effectively
Note: Training and configuration costs can represent no more than 50% of the total project cost. Software subscription costs must cover a minimum one-year period to be eligible.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you must:
- Employ between 1 and 50 paid employees
- Have completed a Digital for Business project within the previous two years
- Be established and trading for at least six months.
- Be registered and operating within the Local Enterprise Office’s geographic area.
- Hold current tax clearance from Revenue and provide a Tax Reference Number and Tax Clearance Access Number.
- Be solvent, as shown in the submitted financial statements.
- Not a current client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.
This applies to limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships. Check complete eligibility here.
What You Need To Do
To apply for the Grow Digital Voucher, follow these steps:
- Review your Digital for Business report and select a digital project that aligns with the consultant’s recommendations.
- Obtain quotes for the software or services you intend to purchase.
- Submit your application to your Local Enterprise Office, including the quotes and a clear project outline.
Wait for written approval from your LEO before committing to any costs or starting the project. - Purchase and implement the approved solution, then retain all invoices and proof of payment.
- Submit a claim for reimbursement. You can receive 50% of eligible costs, with funding between €500 and €5,000.
Note: The LEO cannot fund work or purchases before official approval.
Quick Recap: Your 5-Step Roadmap
- Contact your Local Enterprise Office to apply for the Digital for Business consultancy programme.
- Complete your consultation with an approved digital advisor and receive your report.
- Select digital tools or services with quotes based on the consultant’s recommendations.
- Apply for the Grow Digital Voucher, including project quotes and your report.
- Wait for approval, then implement the project and submit your claim to receive funding.