The Trading Online Voucher 2026 Guide for Irish SMEs (€2,500 Explained)
Everything Irish small businesses need to know about the Trading Online Voucher in 2026 — eligibility, what's covered, application steps, and how AI tools now qualify.
The Trading Online Voucher (TOV) gives Irish SMEs up to €2,500 towards a website, e-commerce or AI/digital project on a 50% match basis. Administered by your Local Enterprise Office. As of 2025 it covers AI chatbot integration, automation and digital marketing setup.
What is the Trading Online Voucher?
A government grant scheme for Irish small businesses. In 2026:
- Up to €2,500 voucher value
- 50% match funding — spend €5,000, state pays €2,500
- Awarded by your Local Enterprise Office (LEO)
Thousands of Irish owners search for the Trading Online Voucher and LEO website grant every month — the demand is there, most just don't realise they qualify.
Who's eligible in 2026?
You qualify if you:
- Are a registered Irish business
- Employ fewer than 10 people
- Have annual turnover under €2 million
- Have a limited or no online presence
- Have been trading at least 6 months
Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and registered charities all qualify.
What does the voucher pay for?
- New website / e-commerce build
- AI chatbot integration (added 2024)
- Workflow automation setup (added 2024)
- App development for online sales
- Online booking systems
- Digital marketing training, SEO setup, Google Ads training
- Email marketing setup
- First-year subscription costs
It does not cover hardware, vehicles, ongoing ad spend, or hosting beyond year 1.
How do I apply?
Step 1 — Attend the free LEO information session (mandatory in 2026, 1–2 hours, often online)
Step 2 — Get 3 written quotes from approved suppliers
Each quote must match scope. Digital Bridge is an approved supplier — formal quotes within 24 hours.
Step 3 — Submit application via your LEO portal
Quotes, short business plan (LEO template), proof of trading and eligibility. Decision time: 3–4 weeks.
Step 4 — Wait for approval before starting
Starting early disqualifies the voucher.
Step 5 — Deliver, pay supplier, submit receipts
LEO reimburses you 50% (up to €2,500) within 4–6 weeks.
What's new in 2026?
- AI services formally eligible
- Faster approval — under 4 weeks in most counties
- Second voucher available for businesses showing measurable phase-1 growth
- Grow Digital Voucher — up to €5,000 for export-focused projects
Real example: Carlow florist
Project: e-commerce site + AI enquiry chatbot. Digital Bridge quote €1,995, voucher reimbursement €997, net €998. Online sales went from €0 to €1,400/month in 90 days.
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Digital Bridge — approved Trading Online Voucher supplier serving Irish SMEs in all 26 counties from Wexford HQ. Get a TOV-ready quote in 24 hours or call 085 224 1848.
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Trading Online Voucher Approved Supplier
Delivered 50+ Trading Online Voucher projects across Ireland
Digital Bridge is an approved Trading Online Voucher supplier and partner to multiple Local Enterprise Offices, building voucher-funded websites and AI projects for Irish SMEs.
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