If you’re an SME or sole trader in Ireland and feel like you could and should do more with digital tools, then the Grow Digital initiative could be exactly what you need to explore.
I have spent the last couple of weeks researching it myself and have come across a few FAQs that you might find useful.
What is Grow Digital Grant?
Grow Digital is a free, government-backed initiative run by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment (via Enterprise Ireland and the National Enterprise Hub). They refer to it as a digital toolkit that helps businesses:
- They ask you to do a 5 minute "digital readiness" self-assessment
- This then returns a personalised scorecard with specific steps to take
- You can find real-life case studies and learn about grants and any training and tools that businesses like yours are using; just follow this link: Grow Digital Voucher
As promised, here are some FAQ’s
Who can apply?
Any Irish business that wants to get more from their digital presence, particularly sole traders and SMEs. There is no prerequisite for knowledge; you can be a complete newbie, or you may be scaling up. It covers the full range; you can learn more at the Enterprise Hub.
The range of supports:
- A free, 5‑minute digital self-assessment
- A bespoke “Grow Digital Scorecard” with personalised advice
- Easy access to supports like funding schemes, training, mentoring and digital tools
- A useful library of case studies showing other Irish businesses that have made it work
Is there funding available?
Yes. Similar to the Trading Online Voucher, you can apply for funding, which gives businesses with 1–50 employees access to up to €5,000 in grant support, covering 50% of approved costs (software, training, and IT configuration). You’re allowed to apply for up to two vouchers, with a combined ceiling of €5,000.
What's changed from the old Trading Online Voucher?
The Grow Digital grant has built on that earlier scheme and gone further:
- More generous, up to €5k (vs €2.5k)
- Broader scope: websites, CRM, cloud accounting, cybersecurity, analytics, AI tools
- Wider eligibility: businesses with up to 50 employees (versus 10)
Why Should I Consider the Grow Digital Grant?
- It’s important to stay more competitive: digital tools can cut costs, time is money, so better time management and discipline could potentially open your business to new markets.
- Improve customer experience: Chatbots, booking portals and CRM systems make your business available and scalable 24/7.
- Boost efficiency: Learn about automation, thus improving workflows, this then frees up your team and will likely improve customer support.
- Future-proof your operation: Digital skills and infrastructure are essential for resilience and growth.
How to Get Started
- Head to Grow Digital and complete the 5‑minute self‑assessment.
- Get your scorecard; it'll highlight key actions and available supports.
- Chat with your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or other agency (Enterprise Ireland, IDA) to explore grants like the Grow Digital Grant.
- Pick your digital tools, apply for funding, and get you and your team trained.
- You can always return to the Grow Digital and reapply, reassess, tweak and grow.
From what I’ve learned so far, Grow Digital can support everything you and your business need to thrive digitally in one free, easy-to-navigate place, with self-assessment, expert advice, case studies, funding and connections.
