The Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment (DCCAE) are giving business support (90-100% funded) to help small businesses operate, sell or at least maintain an online presence. The National Digital Strategy aims to get more businesses trading online. With the current Covid-19 crisis impacting all Irish businesses, now is a great time to look at your online strategy and see if you can avail of this support.
Under the scheme a qualifying business may apply for funding to a maximum value of €2,500 or 90% of eligible expenditure (exclusive of VAT), whichever is the lesser. Reducing the cost of developing your online trading by up to 90% can make getting online much more affordable for small businesses.
What can the funding be used for?
The funding can be used by the business to develop a website including e-commerce, start digital marketing such as Google Ads and develop search engine optimisation and also training. Businesses that have previously received a Trading Online Voucher can now apply for a second voucher, where upgrades are required. Upgrades might include adding an online booking service or developing an app.
Do you qualify?
The vouchers are targeted at businesses with the following profile:
- Limited or no e-commerce presence
- 10 or less employees
- Turnover of less than €2m
- Applicant business must be trading for at least 6 months
- Business must be located in the area covered by the LEO to whom they make their application i.e. LEOs cannot accept applications from businesses located outside their jurisdiction.
- Previous voucher recipients may apply for a second voucher
To find out more about the application process and whether your business qualifies visit your Local Enterprise website. Cork North and West businesses can apply here.
We've helped some of our cusotmers with their applications so if you need advice or support just get in touch.