The Trading Online Voucher (TOV) is a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) grant that helps small Irish businesses trade more effectively online.
It offers match funding of up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €2,500 per business. Eligible spend can include e‑commerce websites, online payments, booking systems, digital marketing (such as SEO, PPC, social media ads), and other digital tools that enhance online sales. Terms vary by Local Enterprise Office (LEO). These differences may include variations in maximum funding, eligibility criteria, and eligible costs. It is essential to check with your local LEO for specific details before proceeding.
Based on my experience, while the grant is advertised as 50% match funding, the final funding amount is determined by the LEO officer after reviewing your project. In practice, it’s not uncommon for the funding to be closer to 40% of the total spend, as certain costs may be adjusted or trimmed by the LEO. For example, on a €5,000 project, you might expect a reimbursement of around €2,000, leaving your final cost closer to €3,000.
It's also important to note that the LEO reimburses you after the project is fully completed and verified. This means you'll need to cover the upfront costs for your designer or service provider. Once the project is finished, approved, and all invoices/receipts are verified, the reimbursement is processed. The project will be pre-approved in principle, but payment is made only after the LEO officer confirms that the work has been completed as agreed.
What the voucher can cover
- New or improved e‑commerce functionality (cart/checkout, online payments, booking).
- Website upgrades that enable online sales (UX improvements, product setup, shipping/tax config).
- Content creation to support online trading, such as product imagery, copywriting, and, in some cases, limited video production. Note: Video production must be directly related to online sales functionality, with clear justification required.
- Digital marketing to drive online sales — within grant rules (e.g., SEO, PPC, social media ads).
- Training and consultancy related to trading online. Training and consultancy must be directly related to enhancing the business's online presence and trading capabilities (e.g., e-commerce training, digital marketing workshops).
Who it’s for (typical eligibility)
- Irish SMEs with limited e‑commerce presence, typically employing fewer than 10 people and with an annual turnover of less than €2 million.
- Businesses must have been trading for at least 6 months, though some LEOs may require up to 12 months of trading history. You should check this with your local LEO for specific details.
- Must apply and be approved before project spend starts.
How to apply
- Attend your LEO’s TOV information session (required in many counties).
- Get quotes/tenders from qualified providers (generally 3, but the LEO will specify the required number).
- Complete the application form with your project scope, costs, and outcomes.
- Await approval — then proceed with the work and keep all invoices/receipts.
- Claim the grant after completion with evidence of payment and results.
Practical advice
Some web design companies may suggest that the Trading Online Voucher is “limited” or “ending soon” to encourage quick decisions. While the scheme is not indefinite, it has been available consistently for over 10 years. There's typically no rush, so always confirm the latest details with your Local Enterprise Office (LEO).
For more detailed guidance, see our pages on Website Audits, Choosing a Designer, and SEO Basics.
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