LEO grants (2025): How to apply for the Grow Digital Voucher, Priming and Feasibility Grants
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Posted: Tue 9th Sep 2025
21 min read
Running a small business in Ireland isn't easy, especially when money is tight. You might have a solid idea, a loyal customer base and the drive to grow, but the financial side often feels like the biggest stumbling block.
Finding the money upfront can stop you in your tracks, whether you're trying to cover the cost of building a website, hiring your first employee or testing out a new product.
Most small business owners know there's grant funding out there, but figuring out which schemes apply to you – and how to actually get them – is another matter.
The information is often scattered across different websites, written in technical language or buried in government reports. It's no wonder many entrepreneurs give up before they've even started.
That's where your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) comes in. Every county in Ireland has one and their job is to provide support – financial and otherwise – to micro and small businesses.
Through the LEO network, you can access supports designed to help you start, grow or go more digital. In place of the old Trading Online Voucher, there's now the Grow Digital Voucher, alongside the Priming Grant and the Feasibility Study Grant. This guide explains who's eligible, what each grant covers and how to apply.
The aim is simple: to give you clarity on what funding is actually available, and the confidence to go after it. If you've been putting off an application because the process felt overwhelming, this guide is designed to get you unstuck.
Contents
What are Local Enterprise Offices?
Local Enterprise Offices, usually shortened to LEOs, are the first port of call for small businesses in Ireland that want advice, training or financial support.
There are 31 of them across the country, each linked to its local authority, so no matter where you're based you'll have access to one.
LEOs focus on micro and small businesses – that means companies with 10 or fewer employees and a turnover of less than €2 million. If you fit into that bracket, you're exactly the kind of business they're set up to help.
The support they offer isn't just financial. Yes, there are grants, but LEOs also provide the following:
Mentoring: One-to-one guidance from experienced business advisers.
Training: Short courses and workshops covering everything from bookkeeping to digital marketing.
Networking: Opportunities to meet other business owners in your area.
Think of them as a mix of funding body, advice centre and community hub. If you've ever wondered where to go with a question like "Can I get support to build an online shop?" or "How do I apply for a business grant?", your LEO is the place to start.
You can find your nearest office and the full list of supports on the official Local Enterprise Office website.
Key LEO grants available in 2025
LEOs manage several different grants, but three stand out as the most relevant for small businesses:
The Grow Digital Voucher
The Priming Grant
The Feasibility Study Grant
Each serves a different purpose, so it's worth understanding which one fits your current stage of business.
Grow Digital Voucher
The Grow Digital Voucher has replaced the old Trading Online Voucher. It's designed to help small businesses improve how they use digital tools – from software for e-commerce and customer management to training that helps staff get the most out of those systems.
The grant provides 50% funding towards eligible costs, ranging from €500 up to €5,000 per project. You can be approved for up to two projects, but the combined support is capped at €5,000 in total.
What it covers
Software that's new to your business, such as CRM systems, job tracking tools, accounting software or e-commerce platforms.
Training and IT configuration to get that software up and running (as long as this doesn't exceed 50% of the overall project cost).
Who can apply
Small enterprises with between one and 50 employees.
Trading for at least six months.
Based in an LEO region and not already a client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland.
Crucially, you must have completed a Digital for Business project in the past two years to qualify.
What it doesn't cover
Custom or bespoke software development.
Routine business expenses unrelated to adopting digital tools or technology.
The Grow Digital Voucher is a practical way to modernise your operations without carrying the full financial burden.
You can find more information, including eligibility details and how to submit an application, on the LEO Grow Digital page.
Priming Grant
The Priming Grant is aimed at businesses that are just getting started and need a financial push to get off the ground.
It's specifically for companies in their first 18 months of trading and is designed to cover the kinds of costs that often hold early-stage entrepreneurs back.
What it covers
You can typically get up to 50% of eligible costs, with the actual amount depending on your project and the financial resources your LEO has available. In practice, that can mean a significant contribution towards:
hiring your first employees
buying equipment or machinery
renting or fitting out business premises
consulting a professional for advice, such as legal, marketing or technical advice
Who can apply
To qualify, you'll need to show that your business has:
potential to create jobs
the capacity to trade internationally rather than relying only on local sales
This focus on growth and exports is one of the ways LEOs decide which businesses to prioritise for funding.
What it doesn't cover
As with other grants, there are limits. Certain sectors – for example, retail or personal services – may have restricted access, and you can't use the grant for day-to-day running costs like utilities.
The funding is meant to help you build something new, not cover your overheads.
The Priming Grant can be a turning point for new entrepreneurs who have strong ideas but lack the financial breathing space to bring them to life.
You'll find full eligibility criteria and the application process outlined on the LEO Priming Grant page.
Feasibility Study Grant
Not every idea is ready to launch straight away. Sometimes you need to test whether a new product or service is commercially viable before you invest too much money or time. That's exactly what the Feasibility Study Grant is designed for.
What it covers
This grant helps cover the costs of research and development in the early stages of an idea. Typical uses include:
commissioning market research to see if there's genuine demand
developing prototypes or mock-ups of your product
paying for technical or consultancy support
protecting your idea through patents or other forms of intellectual property
Funding levels vary, but in most cases you can get up to 50% of eligible costs.
Who can apply
The grant is available to both new and existing businesses, as long as you can show that the idea you're exploring has the potential to grow, create jobs and possibly expand into export markets.
What it doesn't cover
Like other LEO supports, there are exclusions. The scheme isn't meant to fund routine business activity or projects with little growth potential.
It's specifically targeted at innovation – ideas that need testing before they can become part of a viable business.
If you've been sitting on a concept and wondering whether it's worth pursuing, the Feasibility Study Grant could be the tool that allows you to make an informed decision.
You can find further information, including guidance on what's covered, at the LEO Feasibility Study Grant page.
How to apply for an LEO grant
Don't feel intimidated – the process of applying for a grant is more straightforward than you might expect. The key is preparation – knowing what information you'll need and what the LEO will expect from you.
Here's how it usually works:
Step 1 – Find your local LEO
Each county in Ireland has its own LEO, so your first move is to connect with the one in your area. You can search by county on the Local Enterprise Office website.
Building a relationship with your local office is important – the staff there will guide you through which supports are most suitable for your business.
Step 2 – Check your eligibility
Before you fill out any forms, make sure you actually qualify. Most LEO financial supports are aimed at micro and small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and turnover below €2 million.
Some schemes also look for the potential to create jobs or export to other countries. If you're in a sector that doesn't usually qualify – such as local retail or personal services – ask your LEO whether there are other supports available.
If you're interested in the Grow Digital Voucher, ask about Digital for Business first – you'll need to have completed a Digital for Business project within the last two years before you can apply.
Step 3 – Prepare your application
You'll need to back up your request with paperwork. This usually includes:
a business plan or project proposal
financial projections or cash flow forecasts
quotes from suppliers (for example, if you're applying for a Grow Digital Voucher to build a website)
The clearer and more complete your application, the smoother the process will be.
Step 4 – Meet with your LEO
Most applications involve a meeting with an adviser, either in person or online. They'll ask questions about your business, your goals and how you plan to use the funding.
Don't treat this as a test – it's an opportunity to show your ambition and get advice at the same time.
Step 5 – Evaluation and decision
Your application will usually go before a local evaluation committee. They assess whether your project meets the criteria and decide how much funding to award. This stage can take several weeks, so be prepared to wait.
Step 6 – Claiming the funds
If you're approved, you'll need to spend the money on the agreed project first, then submit receipts and evidence of payment to draw down the grant. Keep good records from the start – this will make the claim process much easier.
Mistakes to avoid when seeking LEO grants
Plenty of small businesses miss out on funding because they've made a basic error that they could easily have avoided.
Knowing the common pitfalls in advance can save you time, frustration and, in some cases, rejection.
1. Not speaking to your LEO first
Many owners go straight to the forms without talking to their local office. A short chat with an adviser can clarify whether you're eligible, which scheme is the best fit and what paperwork you'll need. Skip this step and you might end up wasting time and effort.
2. Forgetting supplier quotes (and the Digital for Business requirement)
If you're applying for the Grow Digital Voucher, you'll usually need at least two or three quotes for the software or training you plan to buy. These confirm the cost and show that you've explored your options.
On top of that, you must have completed a Digital for Business project within the last two years – it's a hard requirement and one that catches many business owners out.
Missing either of these steps is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected.
3. Expecting to cover routine costs
LEO grants are there to support growth, not day-to-day running expenses. If you apply for support to pay bills, renew a domain name or cover ongoing advertising, you'll likely be disappointed.
4. Missing drawdown deadlines
Once a grant is approved, you'll normally have a set timeframe to spend the money and claim it back. If you miss that window, you could lose the funding altogether.
5. Overlooking the paperwork
Grants require receipts, bank statements and proof of spend. Businesses that don't keep organised records often run into problems at the claim stage.
LEO grants checklist
Before you start an application, make sure you've covered the following. Treat this as your pre-application checklist:
You know which LEO covers your county and have spoken to an adviser.
You've checked that your business fits the eligibility criteria (under 10 employees, turnover under €2 million, correct sector).
You have a clear business plan or project proposal ready to submit.
You've prepared financial projections or cash flow forecasts.
You have at least two or three supplier quotes for any digital, consultancy or equipment costs.
You've completed a Digital for Business project in the last two years (required for the Grow Digital) Voucher.
You've confirmed you can provide match funding (50%) for the Grow Digital Voucher and your planned spend fits the eligible costs.
You have a project timeline showing when and how you'll spend the money.
You have systems in place to organise receipts, invoices and proof of payment.
You've booked or attended a meeting with your LEO adviser to run through your plans.
Ticking off each of these steps before you apply will not only speed up the process but also improve your chances of being approved.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about LEO grants
Can I apply for more than one LEO grant?
Yes, but you can't use two grants to cover the same costs. For example, you might get a Grow Digital Voucher for a website and later apply for a Priming Grant to support hiring staff.
Can I apply for more than one digital voucher?
You can be approved for up to two Grow Digital projects, but the total grant you receive is capped at €5,000 across them.
Do I have to pay the grant back?
No. But you must spend the money on the agreed project, provide receipts and, in some cases, match the funding yourself.
How long does it take to be approved?
It varies by county, but it usually takes four to six weeks. Applications go before an evaluation committee, which doesn't meet every week, so factor that delay into your plans.
Can sole traders apply?
Yes. You don't need to be a limited company – sole traders are eligible as long as they meet the criteria for the specific grant.
Are grants taxable?
Yes. In most cases, Revenue treats grant income as taxable. Always check with your accountant to understand how this will affect your business.
What sectors aren't eligible?
Some sectors, such as retail and personal services, may not qualify for certain grants. Your local LEO will explain what's possible in your case and may point you towards alternative supports.
Do I need to complete Digital for Business before applying?
If you're applying for the Grow Digital Voucher, yes. The voucher is only open to businesses that completed a Digital for Business project within the previous two years. Your LEO can help you with that step.
What happened to the Trading Online Voucher?
The Trading Online Voucher closed to applications in late 2024 and the Grow Digital Voucher has replaced it.
Next steps
Applying for funding can feel daunting, but once you know what's available and how the process works, it becomes much more manageable.
The three main LEO grants – the Grow Digital Voucher, the Priming Grant and the Feasibility Study Grant – are designed to support different stages of business development. The key is matching your needs to the right scheme and preparing your paperwork properly.
Your next move should be to get in touch with your local LEO. You'll find contact details and further information on the Local Enterprise Office website.
A quick conversation with an adviser can save you hours of second-guessing and put you on the right path straight away.
It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with guidance from Revenue on how grants are taxed, and to speak to your accountant about how funding will affect your finances.
If you've been putting off applying because it seemed complicated, now's the time to take the first step. With the right preparation, LEO grants can give your business the financial boost it needs to grow, innovate and thrive.
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