The Trading Online Voucher has closed. What replaced it?
Plenty of web companies still advertise the old €2,500 website grant. It is gone. Here is what is available now, who it suits, and what it means if you are a trade who just wants a website that brings in work.
The short answer
The Trading Online Voucher closed for new applications on 13 December 2024. The government confirmed in the Dáil that it was replaced by the Grow Digital Voucher, launched in September 2024, and that there is no funding for the old voucher from 2025 on.
So if somebody offers you a website "paid for by the Trading Online Voucher" today, ask them what they mean, because nobody can apply for it any more.
What the Grow Digital Voucher is
It is run through your Local Enterprise Office. It covers up to €5,000, with the government paying 50% of eligible costs and you paying the rest. It is open to more businesses than the old scheme, which was limited to firms with up to 10 employees.
The big difference is what it pays for. The government describes it as support for digital tools that help a business run better, such as online booking, payroll, customer insights, stock control and cyber security. It is not pitched as a website grant.
Who can apply
According to the Local Enterprise Office, applicants need to:
- Have between 1 and 50 paid employees.
- Have completed a Digital for Business project in the previous two years.
- Be established and trading for at least six months in the area of that Local Enterprise Office.
- Be solvent and hold current tax clearance from Revenue.
- Not be a current client of Enterprise Ireland or IDA.
Rules can change, so always check the current terms with your own office before spending anything.
Can it pay for a website?
For most trades looking for a straightforward website, probably not on its own. Some projects that change how you run the business, like online booking or a proper system for handling enquiries, may fit. That is a decision for your Local Enterprise Office, not for us or any web company.
If you do apply, we can give you an itemised written quote for the digital work. We will not tell you that you qualify, because we do not decide that.
Getting a website now without a big upfront bill
The reason the old voucher was popular is that it halved a cost of a few thousand euro. Our approach takes that upfront cost away completely: we build your site for free and you pay €59.99 a month on a 12 month minimum. That covers hosting, edits, Google Business Profile work and local search.
No application, no three quotes, no waiting for approval. Read how it works on our pay monthly websites page, or see whether a tradesman really needs a website.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Trading Online Voucher still open?
No. The Trading Online Voucher closed for new applications on 13 December 2024. It was replaced by the Grow Digital Voucher, which the government launched in September 2024.
What is the Grow Digital Voucher?
It is a Local Enterprise Office grant of up to €5,000, with the government paying 50% of eligible costs. It is aimed at digital tools that help a small business run better, such as online booking, payroll, customer insights and cyber security.
Can I use the Grow Digital Voucher for a website?
The scheme is focused on digital solutions for how the business runs rather than a simple brochure website. Some projects, like an online booking system, may fit. Your own Local Enterprise Office decides, so ask them before you spend anything.
Who can apply for the Grow Digital Voucher?
Small businesses with between 1 and 50 paid employees, trading for at least six months, with tax clearance, that are not Enterprise Ireland or IDA clients and have completed a Digital for Business project in the previous two years.
How can I get a website without a big upfront cost now?
With us, the build is free and you pay €59.99 a month on a 12 month minimum, covering hosting, edits and local search work. There is no grant application and nothing to pay up front.
Want a website without the grant paperwork?
Free build, then €59.99 a month on a 12 month minimum. Book a free call and we will tell you straight whether it suits your trade.