Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs
*The Expression of Interest stage is now closed*
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 second step in the application process is to submit your application form via Fáilte Ireland's
Trade Portal by noon on 13
th January 2025.
If your proposed project was deemed eligible at the Expression of Interest stage, the application form will be issued directly to you. If you have not received your application form, please email
justtransition@failteireland.ie
Please note, we are currently receiving a high volume of applications which are being reviewed in turn, on a first-come first-served basis. It currently takes at least 8 weeks for a fully complete application to be evaluated. Only fully completed applications will enter the evaluation process.
Fáilte Ireland is assessing complete applications in order of receipt and will be in contact with applicants once evaluation is complete or if further clarification is required.
Please note, available funding is limited under this investment scheme and is being awarded to successful projects as they are evaluated in turn. Once the available funds are awarded, this scheme or certain project categories may close earlier than 13th January, meaning that the opportunity to secure funding will no longer be available.
Failte Ireland - Submitting an application for the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme
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:
The EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme is currently full. However, eligible projects may be placed on a waitlist and contacted should additional spaces or budget become available. Participation in the digital programme is subject to timelines and each project’s overall progression will also be assessed for suitability.