The verdict in three sentences
An 80,000 EUR custom software project in Ireland can attract public support in 2026, provided the application is filed before the quote is signed. Small firms usually start with the Grow Digital Voucher (50% of eligible costs, up to 5,000 EUR), while Enterprise Ireland clients can access larger digitalisation and innovation supports covering a significant share of project costs. If the project solves a genuine technical uncertainty, the R&D tax credit at 30% adds a further layer, with 1 to 4 months of approval time to build into the schedule.
The schemes available in 2026
The figures below are indicative. Rules and amounts change with each budget and programme call: always check with Enterprise Ireland, your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or your accountant.
| Scheme | Type | Indicative amount or rate 2026 | Approval delay | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grow Digital Voucher | Matched grant | 50% of costs, up to 5,000 EUR | 3 to 6 weeks | Small business, approved software or services |
| LEO Digital for Business | Consultancy support | Subsidised digital plan, up to around 5 days | 2 to 4 weeks | Micro and small businesses |
| Enterprise Ireland Digitalisation Voucher | Consultancy grant | Up to about 9,000 EUR for a digital plan | 4 to 8 weeks | Enterprise Ireland client or eligible SME |
| Enterprise Ireland Digital Process Innovation | Project grant | Share of eligible project costs, often 50% for small firms | 8 to 16 weeks | Process transformation project |
| R&D tax credit | Tax credit | 30% of qualifying R&D spend | Annual tax return | Real scientific or technological uncertainty |
| Innovation Voucher | Research grant | 5,000 EUR with a knowledge provider | 4 to 8 weeks | Work with an approved research institution |
A point often misunderstood: internal management software, even custom-built, usually does not qualify for the R&D tax credit unless it resolves a genuine technological uncertainty. Digitalisation grants are, however, designed for process software.
What is eligible and what is not
| Project cost | Grow Digital Voucher | Enterprise Ireland project grant | R&D tax credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development by an external vendor | Yes, approved solutions | Yes, generally | Partly, capped share for subcontracting |
| Discovery, workshops, UX mockups | Sometimes | Often | Partly |
| Internal salaries on the project | No | Varies by scheme | Yes, under conditions |
| SaaS licences and subscriptions | Yes, first year | Rarely | No |
| Hardware (tablets, servers) | No | Sometimes, capped | No |
| Post-launch maintenance | No | No | No |
| User training | Sometimes | Often | No |
The golden rule: no cost should be committed (quote signed, deposit paid) before approval, otherwise it may be excluded.
Building the funding plan
For a strong application, prepare a specification, two comparable quotes, a schedule and a business case showing the expected gains (hours saved, errors avoided, additional revenue). Funders look at how the project fits the company strategy more than at the technology itself.
Mini case study
Niamh, managing director of a 45-employee precision engineering SME in Galway and an Enterprise Ireland client, plans production tracking and traceability software at 80,000 EUR: 64,000 EUR of external development, 10,000 EUR of discovery and 6,000 EUR of shop-floor tablets. She first obtains a digitalisation voucher of 9,000 EUR to fund the discovery and digital plan. Her digital process innovation application then retains 64,000 EUR of development at 40%, giving 25,600 EUR of grant (illustrative rate). The tool being internal, the R&D tax credit does not apply. Left to self-fund: 80,000 - 9,000 - 25,600 = 45,400 EUR, before any bank or MicroFinance Ireland loan. With an estimated 1,100 hours saved per year at 38 EUR loaded cost, or 41,800 EUR, the self-funded share pays back in about 13 months.
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FAQ
Can several grants be combined?
Often yes, as long as the same cost is not funded twice. Cumulative grants remain capped by EU de minimis rules, 300,000 EUR over 3 rolling years for most SMEs.
Does the R&D tax credit fund internal business software?
Usually not, because it requires resolving a scientific or technological uncertainty. Its rate is 30% of qualifying spend in 2026 and it is claimed through the annual corporate tax return.
How long does funding take?
Plan 3 to 6 weeks for a Grow Digital Voucher and 8 to 16 weeks for an Enterprise Ireland project grant. File 3 months before the target start date.
Will funders accept a vendor based outside Ireland?
For many project grants, yes, as long as costs are invoiced and justified. The Grow Digital Voucher, however, relies on approved solutions and vendors: check the scheme rules before choosing.
What budget for custom business software with Kolonell?
A simple application is priced from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 FCFA (3,810 to 6,100 EUR), a medium one from 4 to 7 M FCFA (6,100 to 10,670 EUR) and a complex one from 7 M FCFA (10,670 EUR), with a detailed quote you can attach to your grant application.
Let's scope your project. Send us your need and your grant timeline: we deliver a detailed quote by phase, a schedule and the technical elements funders expect. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
