LEO Grow Digital Voucher Ireland 2026: What It Covers & How to Apply
Quick answer: The Local Enterprise Office Grow Digital Voucher co-funds new off-the-shelf business software, configuration and training for eligible Irish SMEs. It has replaced the older Grow Digital Voucher. Here's how to qualify, apply and use it in 2026.
What is the LEO Grow Digital Voucher?
The Grow Digital Voucher is a Local Enterprise Office scheme that helps eligible Irish small businesses adopt new digital and AI software. It is administered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Unlike the older Grow Digital Voucher, Grow Digital focuses on off-the-shelf software subscriptions, configuration and training. It does not pay for bespoke website development, custom software builds, SEO services or advertising. In 2026 the grant typically co-funds 50% of eligible costs, from a minimum grant to a maximum per application. An enterprise may receive up to two Grow Digital projects, subject to a cumulative ceiling and demonstrated progress against its Digital for Business report.
Grow Digital Voucher at a glance (2026)
Item Detail ------ What it funds New off-the-shelf software subscriptions, configuration, training What it does NOT fund Bespoke websites, custom software, SEO, advertising, hardware Typical co-funding rate 50% of eligible project cost Minimum / maximum grant Set by the LEO; confirm with your own office Mandatory gateway Digital for Business project completed within the previous 2 years Typical approval time Varies by Local Enterprise Office Eligible businesses 1–50 employees · trading 6+ months · tax clearance · not an EI/IDA client Ineligible Costs incurred before the application is received
Who is eligible for the Grow Digital Voucher in 2026?
You must tick every one of these boxes: Because the scheme is administered locally, your own LEO may apply additional criteria. Always confirm eligibility in writing before you commit to any spend.
- A registered enterprise with 1 to 50 paid employees.
- Trading for at least 6 months.
- Current Revenue tax clearance and evidence the business is solvent.
- Not currently a client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.
- A Digital for Business project completed within the previous two years.
- Annual turnover or balance-sheet total under the published small-enterprise threshold.
What can the Grow Digital Voucher actually be spent on?
The scheme covers eligible new off-the-shelf business software and directly related costs: What it won't fund: bespoke website development, custom software, SEO, advertising, general digital marketing, hardware, or any cost incurred before your LEO receives the application.
- Online booking, payment, appointment and e-commerce software that is new to the business.
- CRM, stock control, accounting, payroll and e-invoicing software.
- Analytics and AI software that is new to the business.
- Configuration and training related to the new system, together capped at 50% of total project cost.
- Software subscriptions for up to one year.
How do I apply for the Grow Digital Voucher?
1. Find your Local Enterprise Office. Search "[your county] Local Enterprise Office" on localenterprise.ie. 2. Complete a Digital for Business project if you have not already done so within the previous two years. 3. Discuss the new software and eligible configuration or training identified in your Digital for Business report. 4. Submit the required application and supporting documents to your LEO. 5. Do not incur expenditure before the LEO receives the application. 6. Proceed only after the LEO confirms the applicable process and approval.
How long does the Grow Digital Voucher take to be paid?
Processing times vary by Local Enterprise Office. Ask your LEO for its current timeline. Costs incurred before the application is received are almost always ineligible, so timing matters more than speed.
Common reasons Grow Digital applications get rejected
In our experience the single biggest reason for rejection is spending before approval. Wait for written confirmation before you sign off on any invoice.
- Expenditure was incurred before the LEO received the application.
- The proposed work is bespoke development rather than off-the-shelf software.
- The applicant has not completed the mandatory Digital for Business gateway.
- Quotes are vague, missing VAT, or don't match the written project description.
- The business has already received the maximum number of Grow Digital awards.
How Digital Bridge structures Grow Digital-ready quotes
Where a project includes eligible off-the-shelf software, configuration or training, every quote we supply separates: If you'd like a free scope conversation, ring 085 224 1848 or use our free website audit.
- Eligible software subscriptions and configuration (potentially within scope of the grant).
- Bespoke design, development and SEO (not eligible under Grow Digital).
- Our CRO business number, VAT number, and full Gorey, Co. Wexford registered address.
- Itemised scope and training hours so the LEO can see exactly what is being claimed.
Is the Grow Digital Voucher the same as the Grow Digital Voucher?
No. The Grow Digital Voucher has been replaced by the Grow Digital Voucher. Grow Digital focuses on new off-the-shelf business software, configuration and training, not on bespoke website development or digital marketing.
How much is the LEO Grow Digital Voucher worth in 2026?
Grant aid is typically 50% of eligible project cost, from a minimum to a maximum grant per application, with a cumulative ceiling over two possible projects. Exact figures are set by your Local Enterprise Office and can vary regionally.
Can I get the Grow Digital Voucher for a new website?
Not for the bespoke website build itself. It may cover eligible off-the-shelf software such as online booking, payments or e-commerce subscriptions and their configuration, but bespoke design and development are excluded.
Do I need to complete Digital for Business first?
Yes. A Digital for Business project completed within the previous two years is the mandatory gateway to the Grow Digital Voucher.
How long does LEO take to approve a Grow Digital Voucher?
Processing times vary by Local Enterprise Office. The important rule is not to incur costs before the application is received, because retrospective expenditure is almost always ineligible.
Can the Grow Digital Voucher pay for SEO or Google Ads?
No. SEO, advertising and general digital marketing services are not eligible under the published guidance.
What happens next
You get a reply from Joey Bray the same working day. You get a fixed written quote within 48 hours — one price, one delivery date. Work starts only when you have signed the scope, with 50% up front and 50% at launch. Scope and price are agreed in writing before work starts. All prices are (no VAT added) starting points.
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