Grow Digtial Grant | Updated July 2025
The Grow Digital Grant is a transformative government initiative designed to help small and medium-sized Irish enterprises (SMEs) accelerate their digital transformation. Delivered through your Local Enterprise Office, this grant operates via the Grow Digital Voucher system and provides crucial financial support for adopting new digital technology.
This guide is your definitive resource. It explains everything you need to know about the Grow Digital program, from the application process to eligibility, and includes a real-world case study showing how your business can achieve tangible growth.
What is the Grow Digital Grant?
The Grow Digital Grant, also known as the Grow Digital Voucher, offers significant funding to eligible businesses. Its primary objective is to help your enterprise implement advanced digital tools and software. This support for your digitalisation journey aims to improve efficiency, expand your customer base, and boost competitiveness. The program is funded by Ireland’s Digital Transition Fund as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Key Features of the Grant:
- Financial Support up to €5,000: The grant covers 50% of eligible costs, with a minimum grant of €500 and a maximum of €5,000 per application.
- Broader Scope: This grant supports a wide range of digital solutions that go beyond a basic online presence, including CRM systems, cloud accounting, workflow management, and analytics.
- Multiple Applications: An enterprise can be approved a maximum of two Grow Digital Vouchers, provided the total maximum cumulative grant value does not exceed €5,000.
Grow Digital Grant vs. Trading Online Voucher (TOV)
Many businesses are familiar with the Trading Online Voucher. It's crucial to understand that the Grow Digital Grant is a different program with a different focus. This table breaks down the key distinctions:
FeatureGrow Digital GrantTrading Online Voucher (TOV)Max Funding€5,000€2,500Eligible Employees1–501–10Primary FocusInternal digital systems (CRM, cloud software, analytics, workflow tools)Website development, e-commerce, and online sales presenceKey PrerequisiteMust complete a 'Digital for Business' reportMust have a limited online trading presence
In short, the TOV was designed to get your business selling online. The Grow Digital Grant is designed to transform your internal operations with powerful new software, making your entire enterprise more efficient and scalable. For more on the TOV, you can read our guide on how to apply for the Trading Online Voucher.
A Practical Case Study | Grow digital grant
Theory is useful, but a real-world example demonstrates the true impact of this financial support. Bright Star Joinery, a specialist joinery business, faced a common challenge: as the business grew, managing job quotes, customer communication, and project timelines with spreadsheets and notebooks became increasingly difficult and led to lost opportunities.
Working with us at Bubblehub, the owner, Ed, completed the free 'Digital for Business' consultation. We identified that a dedicated job management software would solve these operational bottlenecks. This new software system would allow them to track every enquiry from the first phone call to the final invoice, all in one professional platform.
We then guided Ed through the Grow Digital Grant application process.
"The whole process was so easy with Bubblehub," says Ed, owner of Bright Star Joinery. "They understood exactly what we needed and handled the grant application details, making it a straightforward experience. We successfully secured a €2,500 grant towards the new software subscription and training."
The Result: With the new system in place, Bright Star Joinery can now respond to enquiries faster and manage projects more professionally.
"I'm so happy with the outcome," Ed adds. "We are managing new enquiries much more efficiently, which has directly led to more business. The grant made it possible for us to adopt technology that has truly transformed how we operate. It's been a fantastic investment."
This case study is a clear digital success story, showing how the Grow Digital grant, when applied correctly to operational software, can lead directly to better customer management and business growth.
What Can You Fund with the Grow Digital Voucher?
Eligible Costs:
- Software Subscription Fees: The grant supports eligible business software that is NEW to the business. This covers the annual subscription for tools like CRM, cloud accounting, workflow management, or cybersecurity software. The software subscription new to the business is a key focus.
- Training & IT Configuration: Funding for expert assistance to set up and integrate the new software systems or ICT processes is eligible, up to 50% of the software subscription cost.
Ineligible Costs: Can I use the grant for a new website?
No. This is a critical distinction from other grants. Bespoke website development is not an eligible cost for the Grow Digital Grant. Its focus is on operational digital tools, not your primary marketing website. Other ineligible costs include hardware, custom software development, regulatory compliance systems, and marketing expenses.
How to Apply for the Grow Digital Grant: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Complete the ‘Digital for Business’ Project: This is the essential first step. Book this free consultation with your Local Enterprise Office to assess your digital needs. You will receive a tailored report, sometimes called a digital scorecard, which forms the basis of your application. This business project to support their digitalisation is mandatory.
- Contact Your Local Enterprise Office: Discuss your report and next steps with the team.
- Gather Required Documents: You will need your 'Digital for Business' report, supplier quotes for the new digital software, and your tax clearance details.
- Apply via the Grow Digital Portal: Submit your completed application and all documents online through the official Grow Digital portal. The LEO will review your application, and the Grow Digital Voucher is dependent on their approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Grow Digital Voucher in simple terms?
It is the funding mechanism for the Grow Digital Grant. It provides up to €5,000 (at a 50% co-funding rate) to help your business buy and implement new operational software to improve efficiency.
Can I apply for both the Grow Digital Grant and the Trading Online Voucher?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both schemes. The projects must be distinct—one for internal software (Grow Digital) and one for online trading capabilities (TOV).
Where can I find my Local Enterprise Office?
Visit www.localenterprise.ie to find the contact details for your nearest office. They are your primary point of contact for this grant.
These are the offices offering the grant
Start Your Digital Transformation Today
The Grow Digital Grant is a significant opportunity for Irish SMEs to modernise, innovate, and thrive. It provides the financial support to embrace digital technology in a meaningful way. Real businesses like Bright Star Joinery are already seeing the benefits.
Contact your local enterpise office today today to begin your free 'Digital for Business' consultation and take the first step on your digital journey.
