Table of Contents
What is the Trading Online Voucher?
The Trading Online Voucher (TOV) is a government-backed grant program administered by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) throughout Ireland. The initiative supports small businesses in developing their digital capabilities and online presence.
Program Objective: To help micro-enterprises and small businesses adapt to the digital marketplace by providing financial assistance for online development projects.
Grant Value and Coverage
- Grant Amount: €2,500
- Co-funding Required: Yes (typically 50% business contribution)
- Eligible Expenses covered: Website development, e-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools, online booking systems, SEO services, digital strategy consulting
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Grant Details and Eligibility
Core Eligibility Requirements
Business Criteria:
- Trading for minimum 6 months
- Fewer than 10 employees
- Physical business location in Ireland
- Registered with Revenue Commissioners
- Demonstrate potential for online trading growth
Business Types Typically Supported:
- Retail businesses
- Service providers
- Local enterprises
- Tourism and hospitality
- Creative industries
- Professional services
What the Grant Covers
The TOV can fund various digital initiatives:
Website Development
- Professional website design
- Content management systems
- Mobile-responsive design
- Basic SEO implementation
E-commerce Solutions
- Online shopping platforms
- Payment gateway integration
- Inventory management systems
- Customer account portals
Digital Marketing Tools
- Social media integration
- Email marketing systems
- Online advertising setup
- Analytics and tracking tools
Additional Digital Services
- Online booking systems
- Digital strategy consulting
- Staff digital skills training
- Domain and hosting setup
Application Process
Phase 1: Preparation (2-4 weeks)
Step 1: Initial Research
- Identify your Local Enterprise Office
- Review specific regional requirements
- Gather required business documentation
Required Documentation:
- Business registration certificate
- Revenue registration details
- Financial statements (last 6-12 months)
- Proof of trading period
- Current insurance certificates
Step 2: Digital Strategy Development
- Define online business objectives
- Identify target audience
- Outline proposed digital project
- Estimate total project costs
- Plan implementation timeline
Phase 2: Application Submission (1-2 weeks)
Step 3: LEO Consultation
- Schedule initial meeting with LEO advisor
- Discuss digital development plans
- Receive guidance on application requirements
- Refine project proposal
Step 4: Formal Application
- Complete official TOV application form
- Submit all supporting documentation
- Provide detailed project description
- Include cost estimates and quotes
Phase 3: Review and Approval (3-6 weeks)
Step 5: Application Review
- LEO assessment of application
- Possible follow-up consultations
- Business case evaluation
- Technical review of proposed project
Step 6: Decision and Implementation
- Approval notification
- Agreement signing
- Supplier/contractor selection
- Project implementation begins
Phase 4: Engaging with us to start the development
- Meeting with the founder to understand the business
- Do the buyer persona study for the business
- Reasearch about Domain name & hosting services provider & purchases
- Website layout and Blueprint development
- Website Designing & deployment
- And followed by other Activities, like SEO, Ads, Social media etc..
Regional Variations
Dublin Region
- Higher competition for funding
- Additional focus on innovation
- Possible priority for export-oriented businesses
Cork Region
- Strong support for tourism-related businesses
- Emphasis on local market development
- Additional mentoring programs available
Rural Areas
- Priority support for local service providers
- Focus on community-based businesses
- Additional consideration for unique local needs
Border Counties
- Cross-border trade considerations
- Additional support for export development
- Possible higher grant approval rates
Note: Specific requirements may vary by LEO. Always consult your local office for current guidelines.
Timeline and Expectations
Typical Application Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
| Preparation | 2-4 weeks | Documentation, strategy development |
| Application | 1-2 weeks | Form completion, submission |
| Review | 3-6 weeks | LEO assessment, possible interviews |
| Implementation | 3-6 months | Project development, completion |
| Reporting | Ongoing | Progress updates, final reporting |
Success Factors
Strong Applications Typically Include:
- Clear digital business strategy
- Realistic project timeline
- Professional cost estimates
- Demonstrated market research
- Evidence of business viability
Common Rejection Reasons:
- Incomplete documentation
- Unrealistic project scope
- Insufficient business planning
- Poor financial projections
- Lack of clear online strategy
Success Stories
Case Study 1: Local Retailer
Business: Traditional clothing store, Cork
Challenge: Declining foot traffic, competition from online retailers
Solution: E-commerce website with inventory management
Outcome: 40% increase in sales within 12 months, expanded customer base beyond local area
Grant Impact: €2,500 TOV + €3,000 business investment = €5,500 total project cost
Case Study 2: Service Provider
Business: Accounting firm, Galway
Challenge: Manual appointment scheduling, limited client communication
Solution: Professional website with online booking and client portal
Outcome: 60% reduction in administrative time, 25% increase in new clients
Grant Impact: Streamlined operations, improved professional image
Case Study 3: Tourism Business
Business: Bed & Breakfast, Kerry
Challenge: Dependence on third-party booking platforms
Solution: Direct booking website with payment processing
Outcome: 50% increase in direct bookings, reduced commission fees
Grant Impact: Enhanced profitability and customer relationships
Official Resources
Government Sources
- Enterprise Ireland: www.enterprise-ireland.com
- Local Enterprise Office Directory: www.localenterprise.ie
- Citizens Information: www.citizensinformation.ie
Important Disclaimers
Grant Availability: Funding is subject to annual budget allocation and may be limited. Applications are assessed competitively.
Requirements May Change: Eligibility criteria and application processes may be updated. Always verify current requirements with your local LEO.
Professional Advice: This guide provides general information only. Seek professional advice for specific business circumstances.
Government Policy: Grant programs are subject to government policy changes and EU state aid regulations.
Author Information
This guide has been compiled from official government sources, LEO publications, and publicly available case studies. For the most current information, always consult official government websites and your local LEO advisor.
Sources Consulted:
- Enterprise Ireland official publications
- Local Enterprise Office guidelines
- Citizens Information Service
- Government business support websites
Disclaimer: This content is informational only and does not constitute professional business advice. Always verify current requirements with official sources before applying.
