LEO Grants for Retailers: What Irish Shops Can Actually Get

LEO Grants for Retailers: What Irish Shops Can Actually Get

Two smiling shop owners standing behind their counter
Photo: Unsplash

Your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is the first stop for small business supports in Ireland. There are 31 of them, one for every local authority area. But retailers are often told "you’re not eligible", and walk away. That’s only half true.

Shops can’t get the big LEO start-up and expansion grants. They can get help to sell online, cut energy bills, run the business more efficiently and borrow small amounts. Here’s what’s available for retailers in 2026, and how to apply.

Key takeaways

  • Retail is excluded from the LEO Feasibility, Priming and Business Expansion grants.
  • Retailers can use the Trading Online Voucher: up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible costs.
  • The revamped LEO Energy Efficiency Grant now covers 75% of costs, from €750 up to €10,000. You first need a Green for Business report or an SEAI energy audit.
  • The Grow Digital Voucher (after a Digital for Business review) is 50% of costs, €500 to €5,000.
  • Lean for Business is up to 90% funded for micro-businesses.
  • Microfinance Ireland loans of €2,000 to €50,000 are cheaper when you apply through your LEO.

LEO supports retailers can use

Support What you get Key conditions
Trading Online Voucher Up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible costs ex VAT, whichever is less 10 or fewer staff, turnover under €2m, trading at least 6 months. You must attend a Trading Online workshop. Online retail platforms are eligible. Own labour and brochure-only websites are not. A second voucher is possible once the first is closed
Energy Efficiency Grant 75% of eligible costs, €750 to €10,000 1 to 50 staff, commercially rateable premises, trading at least 6 months (some LEOs say 12), tax clearance. Not for home-based businesses. Needs a Green for Business report, GreenStart report or SEAI audit first. LED lighting only as part of a wider package. Solar PV, insulation and heat pumps for space heating are not eligible
Green for Business Free consultancy on cutting energy and waste The usual first step for the Energy Efficiency Grant
Digital for Business A consultant review of your systems and digital plans 1 to 50 staff
Grow Digital Voucher 50% of eligible costs, €500 to €5,000 You must have completed Digital for Business within the last 2 years
Lean for Business Up to 90% funded process improvement Micro-businesses (up to 10 staff); 10 to 50 staff on a limited basis
Microfinance Ireland loan €2,000 to €50,000 over 1 to 5 years Repayments start in month 7. 5.5% APR through a LEO vs 6.5% direct. No fees or early repayment penalty
Mentoring and training Low-cost mentoring and short courses Open to most small businesses, retail included

What retailers can’t get (and why)

LEO Feasibility, Priming and Business Expansion grants are aimed at businesses that can grow jobs and exports. Retail is excluded. The only exception is a domestic service business that can show real export potential. Don’t let that put you off the supports above. For a typical Irish shop, they are the ones that matter.

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From cwdh.ie: 16L insulated tote cooler bag. Can be branded with your logo through the Custom Wood Designs custom branding range.
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From cwdh.ie: Securit Nature lit pavement board set. A lit A-board that gets your shopfront noticed.

A smart order to apply in

  1. Book Green for Business (free). Your report lists energy savings and makes you eligible for the Energy Efficiency Grant.
  2. Apply for the Energy Efficiency Grant for the measures in your report, such as efficient refrigeration, controls and LED lighting as part of the package. See our SEAI energy and lighting guide for tax relief you can add on top.
  3. Do the Trading Online workshop and voucher if your webshop needs work. Combine it with our accessibility checklist so the new site is compliant from day one.
  4. Check your council’s shopfront grant. It is separate from the LEO in most counties. See our county-by-county shopfront grants guide.

Before you apply

  • Have a current tax clearance certificate.
  • Get quotes before you commit. Grants pay for approved work, not work already done.
  • Keep records: invoices, proof of payment and photos. You’ll need them to claim.
  • Rules differ slightly between LEOs, so read your own LEO’s page.
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QUB rotating countertop display
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Adapti 600
Adapti 600
Adjustable shelving that grows with your range
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A4 clipboard and block set
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Want your shop floor to work as hard as your new webshop? Talk to us.

FAQ

Can a shop get a LEO grant?

Yes, but not the Priming or Business Expansion grants. Shops can use the Trading Online Voucher, Energy Efficiency Grant, digital and lean supports, mentoring and Microfinance loans.

Does the Trading Online Voucher cover Shopify?

Low-cost online retail platform solutions are eligible, but transaction costs are not. Check the eligible costs with your LEO before you sign up.

Can I get the Energy Efficiency Grant for LED lights alone?

No. LED lighting is only eligible as part of a wider package of energy measures.

How do I find my LEO?

Go to localenterprise.ie and choose your county or city.

Sources

This guide is general information for Irish retailers, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official sources above before you act.

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