Fáilte Ireland is inviting private and community-based micro-enterprises and SMEs to register their interest in the EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme.
The programme was designed to help businesses improve their online presence, build their digital capability, unlock greater productivity and drive increased revenue for their business.
Ireland’s Ancient East
The Digital Transformation Programme is one element of Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs, being co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland as part of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
The overall scheme aims to transform tourism across eight counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East by diversifying the regional economy and providing new employment opportunities for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat.
'Forefront Of Innovation'
“The Digital Transformation Programme is a best-in-class programme that will position businesses in the Midlands at the forefront of innovation and opportunity in the digital space," said Orla O’Keeffe, head of industry digitalisation with Fáilte Ireland.
“We know that being visible and bookable online is a crucial part of being competitive in the modern market, and I encourage private and community SMEs to visit the Fáilte Ireland website to register their interest in this programme."
EU Just Transition Fund
Fáilte Ireland recognised the potential of tourism to generate employment for former peat harvesting based communities and developed a set of actions to be incorporated within the EU Just Transition Fund to create new enterprises and jobs.
The initiative aims to establish the Midlands as an authentic regenerative tourism destination, based on the sustainable use of the peatlands and wetlands.
The Digital Transformation Programme is open for Expressions of Interest until 30th November 2023.
Investment Grant
Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026 under the EU Just Transition Fund will be delivered through a series of Open and Closed Call Grant-Aid Schemes, comprising seven distinct funding schemes which will be announced over the coming months.
Investment grant aid of €7,000 to €58,000 available depending on the project scope.
