If you’re a small business owner in Ireland looking to embrace digital transformation, the Digital Discovery Grant offers financial support and expert guidance to help make your digital goals a reality. Wondering how to apply? Don’t worry—we’ve broken it down for you, step by step!
The Digital Discovery Grant from Enterprise Ireland is designed to support Irish businesses in their digital innovation journey. With up to 80% of project costs funded (capped at €5,000), and access to expert guidance for 3-7 days over a period of 8-12 weeks, this grant is your opportunity to explore and adopt digital solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to integrate new technologies like AI, streamline existing systems, or develop a comprehensive digital strategy for your business, this grant provides both the financial backing and the expertise you need to succeed in the digital age.
Why is this grant important? It’s not just about upgrading your systems—it’s about ensuring your business evolves with the times. From automating existing systems to adopting digital technologies like AI or IoT for enhanced operational efficiency, the Digital Discovery Grant helps you optimise your processes and stay competitive in the global delivery industry.
⚡The Roadmap Tip: Your application should emphasise digital transformation, not just maintenance or minor improvements.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for the Digital Discovery Grant:
Before you apply, take a step back and evaluate where your business stands digitally. A great tool for this is the Digital Ready Scorecard, which will help you identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This assessment is vital because it helps you understand your company’s existing digital systems and decide how best to optimise them. Consider questions like:
➡️ Example: If you’re running an e-commerce business and experience slow order processing, using the grant to introduce automation systems could help speed things up and reduce bottlenecks.
The next step is to choose a provider who can help you implement your digital transition. This provider should have expertise in your industry and the specific challenge you’re looking to address. Ideally, your service provider will be an agency or expert team that understands the ins and outs of your software sector, for example, or has experience with digital data systems.
At The Roadmap, we’ve made it our mission to help Irish businesses navigate digital innovation. From developing a digital transformation roadmap to enhancing digital capabilities, we work closely with you to craft a strategy that fits your unique needs.
Work with your chosen provider to define your goals and digital transformation plan. Start by clearly identifying:
➡️ Example: A manufacturing business might want to integrate IoT devices to monitor machine performance, reducing downtime and maintenance costs in the long term.
Once your strategy is in place, it’s time to complete the Digital Discovery Grant application. The form will ask you for details about your business, your goals, and the proposed digital project. Be thorough and specific about the eligible services you need, such as external consultancy costs or training expenses.
➡️ Tip: Make sure your application aligns with the grant’s criteria, focusing on how your project will lead to increased efficiency or innovation within your business.
After submission, the Enterprise Ireland team will process your application, typically within 1-2 weeks. If they need additional information, be sure to respond within 5 working days to avoid delays.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer via email. Sign it digitally, and you’re ready to begin your project with your service provider. The grant covers up to 80% of eligible costs (up to €5,000), so it’s a fantastic way to get expert support at a reduced financial risk.
➡️ Example: A retail business might identify outdated inventory management software, which causes stock shortages and missed sales. With the grant, they can implement a cloud-based system that tracks inventory in real-time.
➡️ Example: A food delivery business could implement AI to predict order trends and optimise delivery routes, reducing fuel costs and delivery times.
⚡The Roadmap Tip: If Enterprise Ireland requests additional information, provide it promptly to keep the process moving smoothly.
Need help? Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring your options, we’re here for you. Let’s check your eligibility and get started on building a digital roadmap that’s right for your business!
The grant is open to Irish-owned companies in manufacturing or internationally traded services, including Enterprise Ireland clients. Businesses must have at least 10 employees and be ready for digital transformation. High-potential start-ups (HPSUs) that are Enterprise Ireland clients may also be eligible.
Applications typically take 1-2 weeks for processing. Be sure to respond to any additional information requests from Enterprise Ireland quickly to avoid delays.
Yes, you can reapply, but you’ll need to address the reasons for the decline before doing so. Ensure that your proposal clearly outlines a digital innovation plan with measurable outcomes.
The grant covers up to 80% of eligible costs, including consultancy fees (up to €900 per day) and training expenses. However, it does not cover maintenance costs, software trials, or general management consultancy.
