Trading Online Voucher Scheme

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Trading Online Voucher Scheme

With the trend ever increasing towards online spending it is estimated that only 23% of small Irish businesses are engaged in any meaningful way in e-Commerce sales.

For businesses employing less than ten people this percentage could be even lower. It is now believed that of online purchases made in Ireland that 70% of these are done in overseas markets.

There is now an urgency to ensure that businesses recognise that this is happening and that they are encouraged and supported to correctly respond to this digital reality.

What is it?

The voucher is a financial incentive to small businesses to develop or enhance their ability to trade online. Under the scheme a qualifying business may apply for matched funding to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% eligible expenditure (exclusive of VAT), whichever is their lesser.

Following approval of their application, a successful applicant can engage suppliers and upon completion of the work, submit a request for payment to the LEI in line with the terms and conditions of their voucher.

What is the eligibility criteria?

The vouchers are targeted at businesses with the following profile:

Limited Online Trading presence
Less than 10 employees
Turnover less than €2m
Applicant business must be registered and trading for at least 6 months
Attend a TOV Training Seminar with your Local Enterprise Office
Business must be located in one of the pilot areas under this phase of the scheme

What are ineligible projects for this scheme?

Companies with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, trade associations and company representation bodies such as Chambers of Commerce are not eligible to participate in the scheme
"Not for profit" and social entrepreneurship applicants unless they operate in a commercial domain
Professional services specialising in IT type services who are already capable of trading online using existing in-house systems
Conferences and Seminars
Projects which are contrary to public policy
Duplication of support for projects which would be eligible for assistance from other State Agencies of EU funded Operational Programmes
Projects with employees in excess of 10 people
Projects deemed to be capable of proceeding in any event without scheme assistance i.e. deadweight
Projects essentially comprising importation and distribution

What the vouchers can be used for:

IT consultation
Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website
Implementing Online payments or booking system;
Purchase of Internet related software
Purchase of online advertising (this purchase cannot make up any more than 30% of approved Voucher costs and can only be drawn down in one payment phase)
Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages)
Implementing a digital marketing strategy
Development of a digital marketing strategy
Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an on-line trading activity

What the vouchers cannot be used for:

Development of brochure websites
Purchase of non-internet related software
Anything other than online trading related activity

The trading online voucher scheme is an initiative of the National Digital Strategy, developed and funded by the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of Government. It is being administered by the Local Enterprise Offices on a pilot basis

How do I apply?

All applicants must complete a webinar to qualify for the support and provide evidence that this was completed as part of their application to progress for evaluation for this support. CLICK HERE to find our next seminar.
Read the terms and conditions
3 quotes (or Proof that these were sought)
Company Registration Cert or a Letter from your accountant stating how long you have been trading
Tax Clearance Cert