Grow Digital support: eligible software, setup and training
Checked 2 November 2026 · Digital Design
Grow Digital supports new off-the-shelf business software subscriptions and associated configuration or training. Bespoke websites and custom software are excluded. Official support overview.
The revised names announced in October 2026 are Grow Digital & AI and Digital & AI for Business. Confirm the applicable terms with your LEO; the announcement alone does not change the cost rules below.
Your Local Enterprise Office decides eligibility and which costs it will accept.
Begin with the assessment
The published pathway requires a completed Digital for Business project within the previous two years. Its report should guide the implementation you propose. A private website audit or online scorecard does not replace that official step. Ask about the official assessment.
Check the applicant conditions
Use the national eligibility checklist with your LEO:
- Trading history and local operation.
- Paid employees and small-enterprise size, including linked businesses.
- Current tax clearance and business solvency.
- Business activity and any sector exclusions.
- Whether you are already an Enterprise Ireland or IDA client.
- The required assessment and any previous Grow Digital awards.
If you work alone or have linked businesses, ask how the conditions apply rather than guessing.
Keep the costs clear
The published grant is 50% of accepted costs, with a minimum grant of €500 and a cumulative maximum of €5,000 across at most two projects. Previous awards reduce the amount available. Read the national grant terms.
Associated setup and training cannot exceed the eligible software cost, so these services can make up no more than half the eligible project.
An itemised quote separates software subscriptions, setup, training, ordinary design or development and ongoing support. Only accepted costs belong in the grant calculation. Software subscriptions are billed by the vendor to you; website work is quoted separately.
A worked example
If your LEO accepts €2,000 of new software subscriptions + €2,000 of setup and training, the illustrative grant at 50% is €2,000, assuming no previous award reduces the amount available.
A separate €3,000 private website project stays outside that calculation. The combined cost after the illustrative support is €5,000, excluding VAT. This is arithmetic using stated assumptions, not a quotation or an award.
You still need to arrange payment and meet the claim conditions. Funding is not an automatic supplier discount.
Apply before you commit
Apply before committing to or starting the project. Follow your LEO’s written application and offer conditions before ordering, signing or paying. Ask which quotes and supplier documents your office needs. National application terms; an example local application form.
Ask for an itemised setup quote
Tell us the task, the system you use today and the outcome you need. Digital Design’s three software setup packages cover bookings, online shops and enquiry follow-up. The quote separates software, setup and training, and other work for your LEO discussion.
Contact Digital Design · Compare digital funding routes
Common questions
What is Grow Digital & AI?
Grow Digital & AI is the revised name announced in October 2026. The connected assessment is called Digital & AI for Business. Confirm the applicable terms with your LEO; the announcement alone does not change the funding cap or eligible-cost rules set out here.
Do I need an assessment first?
The published pathway requires a completed Digital for Business project within the previous two years. Use its report to guide your proposed implementation. A private website audit does not replace that official assessment.
How much support is available?
The published grant is 50% of accepted costs, with a minimum grant of €500 and a cumulative maximum of €5,000 across at most two projects. Previous awards reduce the amount available. Associated setup and training cannot exceed the eligible software cost.
Can it pay for a new website?
Bespoke website development and custom software are excluded. New off-the-shelf software subscriptions and associated configuration or training may qualify. Website and design work must be costed separately.
Can I start before applying?
Apply before committing to or starting the project. Follow your LEO’s written application and offer conditions before ordering, signing or paying.