The verdict in three sentences
A website rebuild is almost never 100% funded, but a well-prepared SME can bring its out-of-pocket share to around 60% by combining a digital voucher, training funding and depreciation. Public loans such as Bpifrance in France do not reduce the cost, they spread cash flow over 3 to 5 years. The golden rule: file the grant application before signing the quote, otherwise the spend becomes ineligible in most schemes.
Schemes available in 2026
The amounts below are 2026 estimates observed across the main schemes in France, Ireland and the UK. Rules change every year and differ by region: always check the current guidelines with your chamber of commerce or local enterprise office.
| Scheme | Type | Typical amount | Coverage | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French regional digital voucher | Grant | EUR 1,500 to 10,000 | 30 to 50% of eligible spend | Filed before signing |
| Ireland Grow Digital Voucher (LEO) | Grant | Up to EUR 5,000 | 50% match funding | Small business, application first |
| Bpifrance loan (growth, digital) | Unsecured loan | EUR 10,000 to 300,000 | Up to 100% of the programme | Often paired with a bank loan |
| EU Digital Innovation Hubs | Advisory | Free or subsidised | Advice, no direct funding | SMEs in member states |
| UK local growth hubs | Advisory, occasional grants | GBP 1,000 to 5,000 when open | Variable | No national website grant in 2026 |
| Depreciation | Tax effect | 15 to 25% tax saving | Spread over 1 to 3 years | Site capitalised as intangible asset |
In France, the regional voucher is the only true grant most SMEs can access for a website. Caps vary widely: some regions fund 50% up to EUR 5,000, others reserve aid for e-commerce or companies under 50 staff. In Ireland, the Grow Digital Voucher through Local Enterprise Offices plays a similar role.
What is eligible and what is not
Funders separate structural investment (new platform, business features, security) from recurring costs. Prepare a quote split into work packages: it makes the file readable for the assessor.
| Cost item | Typical budget excl. VAT | Voucher eligible | Capitalisable |
|---|---|---|---|
| UX design and mockups | EUR 4,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Development and CMS integration | EUR 12,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Quote module or client portal | EUR 4,500 | Yes | Yes |
| Content writing and migration | EUR 2,000 | Often | Yes |
| Back-office training for staff | EUR 1,500 | Via training funds | No |
| Hosting and annual maintenance | EUR 1,800 per year | No | No |
| Advertising campaigns | Variable | No | No |
Mini case study
Claire runs a 40-employee manufacturing SME near Lyon and rebuilds her site for EUR 24,000 excl. VAT with a quote-request module. Funding secured: a EUR 6,000 regional digital voucher (50% capped), EUR 1,200 from her training fund for back-office training, and EUR 1,920 from a regional support programme. Total aid: EUR 9,120, leaving EUR 14,880, about 62% of the project. She finances the remainder with a 36-month Bpifrance loan, around EUR 430 a month. The site, capitalised and depreciated over 3 years, also generates a corporate tax saving of about EUR 3,700 (25% of EUR 14,880), spread over the period. Her real net cost drops to around EUR 11,200, or 47% of the original quote. An Irish SME on the same project would typically combine the EUR 5,000 Grow Digital Voucher with capital allowances for a comparable result.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Can we apply after signing the quote?
In most schemes, no: spend committed before the application is ineligible. Allow 4 to 8 weeks of processing in your schedule.
Is a Bpifrance loan open to a small SME?
Yes, from about EUR 10,000 and often alongside a bank loan of a similar amount. It usually requires no personal guarantee, with a possible 6 to 12-month deferral.
Over how many years should a website be depreciated?
Common practice is 1 to 3 years depending on the site and your accountant's view. A site with business features is easier to justify over 3 years.
Do grants cover maintenance?
Rarely: hosting, maintenance and advertising are recurring costs, excluded in more than 9 out of 10 files.
Can Kolonell format the quote the way funders expect?
Yes, we deliver a quote split into work packages with a technical description, which cuts back-and-forth with the assessor.
Let's scope your project. Describe your current site and goals: we will price the rebuild between EUR 15,000 and 40,000, with a quote structured for your grant file and an 8 to 14-week schedule. 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.
