The Trading Online Voucher scheme has been one of the best-known supports for small Irish businesses wanting to build or improve their online presence. It is run through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), and over the years it has helped many businesses launch websites, start selling online and reach customers digitally.
Terms have changed several times, and individual LEOs open and close application rounds. Treat this guide as an overview of how the scheme has worked and always confirm current details with your Local Enterprise Office.
What is the Trading Online Voucher?
The Trading Online Voucher is a grant that co-funds eligible small businesses to develop their capacity to trade online. Under the terms widely published in recent years, the voucher has been worth up to €2,500 (excluding VAT), with the business paying part of the cost itself.
The co-funding share has varied. During the COVID-19 period it was reduced to 10%, and later LEO pages have described contributions of between 10% and 50% of the project cost. Check the current rate before you budget.
What can it pay for?
The scheme is aimed at online trading capability. Typical eligible costs have included:
- Developing or upgrading an e-commerce website.
- Online payment and booking systems.
- Online advertising and digital marketing strategy.
- Search engine optimisation.
- Developing apps.
- Training in digital skills.
- Subscriptions to software for online trading, for a limited period.
Costs that have usually been excluded include hardware such as computers, ongoing costs like hosting beyond the first period, and work done before the voucher is approved. LEOs have been clear that no spending should happen before approval.
Who is eligible?
Commonly listed criteria include:
- Size: 10 or fewer employees.
- Turnover: under €2 million.
- Trading history: at least six months of trading.
- Online presence: limited or no existing online trading presence.
- Location: based in the LEO area you apply to.
Businesses that have already received a voucher have sometimes been able to apply for a second one for a further upgrade. Eligibility does not guarantee funding; LEOs often describe the process as competitive.
How to apply
The process differs a little between LEOs, but generally involves:
- Contacting your LEO to confirm the scheme is open and to check eligibility.
- Attending an information session or workshop, which many LEOs have required.
- Preparing a project plan describing what you want to do online and why.
- Getting quotes from suppliers, usually Irish-based providers.
- Submitting the application with supporting documents, such as tax clearance.
- Waiting for approval before any work starts.
- Completing the project within the time allowed and submitting paid invoices and evidence for the grant to be paid.
Keep copies of everything. The grant is usually paid after the work is done and you have paid the supplier.
Planning a good project
A strong application is clear about how the project will improve online trading. Questions worth answering:
- What will customers be able to do online that they cannot do now? Book, buy, enquire, pay?
- How will people find the site? See our local SEO guide.
- How will you manage the enquiries or orders it brings in? A CRM can help; read what is a CRM.
- Who will keep the site up to date after launch?
Choose suppliers who can explain the plan in plain language and give you ownership of your domain, website and content. Our guide to website design costs in Ireland explains what to compare in quotes.
After the project
Measure the results. Track enquiries, bookings or sales from the website, and keep improving. The voucher pays for a start, but online trading needs ongoing attention.
Tips for a smoother application
- Talk to the LEO early. Staff can tell you whether the scheme is open, what documents they need and whether your project fits.
- Get tax affairs in order. Tax clearance is commonly required, and arranging it can take time.
- Be specific in quotes. Ask suppliers to itemise what is included so the LEO can see which costs are eligible.
- Keep the scope realistic. A focused project that you can finish on time is better than an ambitious one that stalls.
- Plan for after launch. Budget for hosting, maintenance and marketing once the voucher-funded work is complete.
Other supports to know about
Local Enterprise Offices also run training programmes, mentoring and other grant schemes for small businesses, and Enterprise Ireland supports larger, export-focused firms. Your LEO can point you to the right option.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Trading Online Voucher worth?
Under recently published terms, up to €2,500 excluding VAT, with the business co-funding part of the cost. The co-funding share has varied between 10% and 50%. Check the current figure with your LEO.
Is the Trading Online Voucher scheme open now?
It depends on the LEO and the time of year. Schemes open and close in rounds, and terms change. Contact your local office for the current position.
Can I spend money before I am approved?
No. LEOs have consistently said that costs incurred before approval are not eligible.
Who can apply for a Trading Online Voucher?
Small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, turnover under €2 million, at least six months' trading and limited online trading presence, based in the LEO's area. Exact criteria are set by the scheme at the time.