What it is, in one paragraph
The Online Trading Voucher is a government grant delivered through your Local Enterprise Office (LEO). It covers 50% of the cost of getting your business trading online, up to €2,500. Build a €5,000 online shop, and the State pays €2,500 of it. Build a €1,500 site, and it pays €750. Businesses that use a first voucher well can even apply for a second one later.
Check if you qualify in 30 seconds
Answer honestly. This mirrors the published criteria; your LEO makes the final call.
Does your business have fewer than 10 employees?
Is your turnover under €2 million a year?
Has the business been trading for at least 6 months?
Is the business registered and trading in the Republic of Ireland?
Is your current online presence limited (no site, or no way to sell or book online)?
What the voucher covers
- Website design and development, including online shops and booking
- Adding payments or bookings to an existing site
- Professional photography and video for the site
- Digital marketing strategy and initial online advertising
- Related software subscriptions and training
What it does not cover: ordinary running costs, and anything you bought before approval. That last one catches people out constantly, so read the next section.
How to apply, step by step
- Contact your Local Enterprise Office. Every county has one. Tell them you want to apply for the Online Trading Voucher.
- Attend the short information session. A mandatory webinar, usually an hour or so. Mildly boring, worth €2,500.
- Get written quotes. Usually from suppliers like us: an itemised quote for the website or shop. We prepare voucher-ready quotes as standard.
- Submit the application and wait for approval. Do not pay for anything yet. Spending before approval disqualifies that spend.
- Build the site, pay the invoice, claim it back. After approval, we build, you pay, you submit the invoices and proof of payment, and the LEO refunds the grant portion.
The mistake to avoid: signing off on a website before your application is approved. Approval first, spend second, always. If you are unsure of the sequence, talk to us before you commit to anything.
Honest answers about the voucher
How long does it take?
Application to approval is typically a few weeks depending on your LEO’s schedule and when the next information session runs. Plan for 4 to 8 weeks between first contact and starting the build.
Can I use it for a redesign?
The scheme is aimed at getting businesses trading online, not cosmetic refreshes. A redesign that adds real trading capability, a shop, bookings, payments, has a strong case. A new coat of paint does not.
What if I already have a website?
Having a basic site does not rule you out. If your site cannot take orders, payments or bookings, you are exactly who the scheme was written for.
Is it really worth the paperwork?
It is a few forms and a webinar in exchange for up to €2,500. It is the best hourly rate most business owners will earn this year.