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Several Irish supports can help pay for AI and digital projects, but which one fits depends on two things: whether you're an Enterprise Ireland client, and whether you need advice or a build. Here's what each covers, checked on the official pages on 4 November 2026. Always apply before you spend: funding only covers work after approval.
The supports at a glance
| Support | Run by | Who it's for | What it pays | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Advice: Digital Discovery | Enterprise Ireland | SMEs and start-ups | Up to 80%, max €5,000 | An expert to put digital foundations in place or take a first or next step in AI |
| Access Advice: AI Discovery | Enterprise Ireland | SMEs, start-ups, larger firms | Not stated on the page; ask your adviser | A 12 to 18 month AI roadmap, with AI centres such as CeADAR and a panel of AI consultants |
| Digital for Business | Local Enterprise Office | 1 to 50 staff, not Enterprise Ireland or IDA clients | Not stated on the page; ask your LEO | A digital consultant reviews your systems, gaps and what to add |
| Grow Digital Voucher | Local Enterprise Office | 1 to 50 staff who've completed Digital for Business in the last two years | 50%, €500 to €5,000 | Off-the-shelf software (including AI systems) for up to a year, plus training and setup; not custom software |
| Digital Process Innovation | Enterprise Ireland | Start-ups, SMEs and larger firms; check eligibility with Enterprise Ireland | Up to 50%, up to €150,000 | An internal team and outside expertise to bring in new technology and digital processes |
Which route fits you
If you're a small firm and not an Enterprise Ireland client
Start with your Local Enterprise Office. Digital for Business comes first; once it's done, the Grow Digital Voucher can cover half the cost of off-the-shelf software, including AI tools, plus training and setup.
If you're an Enterprise Ireland client
Talk to your development adviser. Digital Discovery or AI Discovery funds expert advice first; Digital Process Innovation can then help fund a bigger implementation.
Enterprise Ireland's Make AI Work path
Enterprise Ireland groups its supports into three stages: exploring AI, planning your AI journey, and ready to implement. Its AI opportunity check is a free place to start.
What the grants don't cover
- Work done before approval
- Custom or bespoke software under the Grow Digital Voucher
- Routine upgrades of systems you already use (Digital for Business)
- Regulatory compliance systems (Grow Digital)
Advice and build are usually separate
Enterprise Ireland's terms for Digital Discovery expect the expert you hire to be independent of whoever builds the solution, so plan the advice and the build as two steps. We're happy to quote the build after you've had independent advice, or to do a smaller AI Quick Start outside the grant.
Checklist before you apply
- Check whether you're an Enterprise Ireland, IDA or LEO client
- Have your Revenue tax clearance details ready
- Pick one job AI would take off your team, and write down how long it takes now
- Get quotes before you spend anything
- Talk to your adviser or LEO before you commit
Frequently asked questions
Is there a grant for AI in Ireland?
Yes. Enterprise Ireland's Digital Discovery and AI Discovery fund expert advice on AI, Digital Process Innovation helps fund bigger projects, and the LEO Grow Digital Voucher covers off-the-shelf AI software for small firms.
How much is the Grow Digital Voucher?
50% of eligible costs, from €500 to €5,000, across up to two projects.
Can the Grow Digital Voucher pay for custom AI software?
No. It covers off-the-shelf software subscriptions, training and setup, not custom or bespoke software.
Do I need to be an Enterprise Ireland client?
Not for the Local Enterprise Office supports, which are for small firms that aren't Enterprise Ireland or IDA clients. For Enterprise Ireland's supports, such as Digital Discovery and Digital Process Innovation, check eligibility with an Enterprise Ireland adviser.
Can I apply after I've started the project?
No. Funding only covers work after approval, so apply first.
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Jack Doherty
Founder and CVO, WDI
Jack founded WDI, which builds and runs email and LinkedIn outreach for Irish B2B and construction companies.
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Not sure which fits?
Book a call and we'll tell you which route makes sense before you spend anything.