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:
- Category 1 – Development or Enhancement of Sustainable Visitor Experiences
- Category 2 – Development of Sustainable Tourist Accommodation
- Category 3 – Capital Project Planning & Design
- Category 4 – Digital Transformation
- 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. 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.
