Small business marketing grants are financial aids provided by the government to help with marketing expenses. They’re designed to alleviate the financial pressure of promoting your business, so you can focus on expanding and reaching more customers. These grants act as a helping hand, giving you the financial support needed to implement marketing strategies without breaking the bank.
For instance, if you run a lovely local bakery in Galway and want to extend your reach beyond your immediate area, a marketing grant can be a game-changer. With this support, you could build a user-friendly website, set up an online ordering system, and even run targeted social media campaigns to attract new customers. By reducing the financial burden, these grants enable you to invest in marketing and boost your business’s visibility.
The Trading Online Voucher is one of the most popular grants offered by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO). This grant is designed to help small businesses improve their online presence by covering up to 50% of eligible costs, up to €2,500. Whether you want to set up an e-commerce site, enhance your existing website, or run digital marketing campaigns, this grant provides valuable funding.
Imagine you own a local pet store and want to expand your reach across Ireland by setting up an online store. The Trading Online Voucher can help cover the costs of developing your website and funding online marketing activities such as social media ads or search engine optimisation (SEO). This financial support can be a game-changer, allowing you to grow your customer base and increase sales without the strain on your budget.
To be eligible for the Trading Online Voucher, your business must be registered and trading in Ireland, have fewer than 10 employees, and have been trading for at least 6 months. This grant is perfect for those looking to invest in digital tools and strategies but who need a bit of financial help to get started. For more details, visit our Trading Online Voucher page.
The Digital that Delivers grant is tailored for Irish tourism businesses aiming to enhance their digital presence. This grant provides funding to improve websites, engage in online marketing, and use digital tools to attract and retain visitors. If you’re in the tourism sector and want to modernise your digital strategy, this grant offers a fantastic opportunity.
Imagine you run a charming B&B in County Kerry and wish to attract more international tourists. The Digital that Delivers grant can help you revamp your website to make it more engaging and user-friendly. You could use the grant to create high-quality content about local attractions, improve your site’s functionality, and run targeted online ads to reach potential guests. This support can help you stand out in a crowded market and draw more visitors to your business.
To qualify for this grant, your business must be in the tourism sector, registered in Ireland, and classified as an SME. This grant is particularly useful for businesses that want to leverage digital marketing to reach a wider audience and engage with customers effectively. Learn more about this grant on our Digital that Delivers page.
For small Irish businesses looking to export to new markets abroad, the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters grant is worth exploring. This grant supports businesses in developing marketing strategies and enhancing their online presence in international markets.
For example, if you’re a manufacturer of Irish artisanal crafts aiming to break into the European market, this grant can assist in creating a multilingual website to cater to different language speakers. It can also fund the development of international marketing materials and online campaigns to increase your visibility in new regions. This support is crucial for getting your products known in international markets and attracting new customers.
To be eligible for the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters grant, your business must be involved in exporting or planning to export, be an SME with fewer than 10 employees, and be based in Ireland. For more details, visit the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters page.
The Priming Grant is specifically designed for start-ups and small businesses in their first 18 months of operation. This grant provides funding for various expenses, including marketing, consultancy, and salaries, making it ideal for businesses in their early stages.
Imagine you’ve recently opened a new fitness studio in Dublin and need financial support for your marketing efforts. The Priming Grant can cover costs such as developing a professional website, launching social media ads, and conducting market research. This support can be instrumental in attracting your first customers and establishing a strong market presence. By investing in marketing early on, you set yourself up for future growth.
To qualify for the Priming Grant, your business must be less than 18 months old, have fewer than 10 employees, and be based in Ireland. For more information, visit the Priming Grants page.
Small business marketing grants offer substantial benefits to both startups and established businesses in Ireland. For startups, these grants provide critical financial support during the crucial early stages of business development. They can cover initial marketing expenses, such as website development, branding, and social media advertising, which are essential for establishing a market presence.
For established businesses, these grants help in scaling up marketing efforts and exploring new opportunities. They can be used for advanced strategies like international market research, digital advertising campaigns, and expanding online sales platforms. By reducing the financial burden, these grants allow businesses to invest in high-impact marketing strategies that drive growth and increase visibility.
Small business marketing grants in Ireland cover a wide range of marketing activities designed to enhance your business’s reach and effectiveness. Typical activities include:
Yes, each grant has specific deadlines and application windows, which can vary depending on the grant provider and the type of grant. For example:
It’s essential to stay informed about the deadlines and ensure timely submission of your applications to maximise your chances of receiving funding.
Yes, small business marketing grants can often be combined with other forms of funding or financial support. Combining grants with other financial resources can provide a more comprehensive funding package for your marketing efforts. For example:
However, it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of each grant to ensure that combining different forms of funding is permitted and does not affect your eligibility.
To make the most of small business marketing grants, consider these tips:
