Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs
The purpose of the scheme is to deliver grant-aid to private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs to help them improve the quality of the visitor experience with the ambition of attracting more visitors, increasing their dwell time, and securing overnight stays in the region because the visitor has confidence that there’s lots to see and do. This will create new jobs in the sector and grow the visitor economy. Through this scheme, Fáilte Ireland will also provide funding to develop the digital capabilities of businesses to make the most of opportunities offered by digitalisation and ensure an increase in the levels of inclusivity in tourism in the Territory.
Under the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs there are five project categories that will be considered for funding:
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Category 1 – Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences
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Category 2 – Development of Sustainable Tourist Accommodation
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Category 3 – Capital Project Planning & Design
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Category 4 – Digital Transformation
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Category 5 – Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience.
The first step in the Application Process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form via Fáilte Ireland's Trade Portal by noon on 30th June 2024. The purpose of this step is to allow Fáilte Ireland to determine if the project and the applicant are eligible for this Investment Grant Scheme.
If you do not have a Fáilte Ireland Trade Portal account, you will be prompted to create one. Anyone intending to register their interest in this scheme is asked to first read the Application Guidelines for the scheme here.
It is also recommended to contact the County Tourism Activator in your Local Authority who can support you with the Application process. Please see below contact details for the County Tourism Activators:
Expression of Interest Forms
All Categories 1,2,3,4,5
Closing date:
30th June 2024 at 12 noon
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Category 5
Accessibility Enhancements
Closing date:
30th June 2024 at 12 noon
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*Please note that you can apply for more than one category through the Expressions of Interest Form for All Categories.
Checklist
- 1. Before you Submit your Expression of interest Form
Check out the eligibility criteria within the
guidelines.
- 2. Log onto Fáilte Ireland’s Trade Portal to complete the form.
If you don’t have an account, you will be prompted to create one.
You can access the trade portal here.
- 3. Complete the Expression of Interest Form
We have created this Guide to Filling out your Expression of Interest Form for the Scheme which provides guidance notes to help inform and support the completion of your Expression of Interest Form and should be read in conjunction with the Scheme Guidelines.
- 4. Save your progress
Ensure you fill out all the fields with your project details. You can save the form during the process and come back to it before you submit it.
- 5. Submit your Expression of Interest.
The purpose of this step is to allow Fáilte Ireland to determine if the project and the applicant are eligible for this Investment Grant Scheme.
- 6. If your proposal is deemed eligible
Information outlining the next stage of the Application process will be issued to you via email.