Investment grant-aid scheme for private and community SMEs
The Investment Grant-Aid Scheme delivered grant aid to private and community-based micro-enterprises and SMEs. It helped them improve the quality of the visitor experience, attract more visitors, increase dwell time, and secure overnight stays in the region. The scheme was also intended to create new jobs in the sector and grow the visitor economy. It also provided funding to develop the digital capabilities of businesses and to increase levels of inclusivity in tourism in the EU Just Transition Territory.
About the scheme
The Scheme 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 also provided 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.
Five project categories
Applications were considered under five project categories:
- Category 1: Development or enhancement of sustainable visitor experiences
- Category 2: Development of sustainable tourist accommodation
- Category 3: Capital project planning and design
- Category 4: Digital transformation
- Category 5: Accessibility enhancements to provide a more inclusive visitor experience
Application process
The application form was issued directly to projects that passed the Expression of Interest stage. Completed forms were submitted via Fáilte Ireland’s Trade Portal by noon on 13 January 2025. Only fully completed applications entered the evaluation process. Fáilte Ireland assessed applications in order of receipt and contacted applicants once evaluation was complete or if further clarification was needed.
Eligible applicants: Private & Community SMEs
Call dates: This was a two step process with Expressions of Interest followed by Applications.
- Category 4: Expression of Interest process opened 30th August 2023 and closed 31st January 2024
- Category 1,2,3 & 5: Expression of Interest process opened 30th August 2023 and closed 2nd July 2024
- It was an open rolling call and the Application closing date across all categories was the 13th January 2025.