ONLINE TRADING VOUCHERS
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 eCommerce 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.
In order to support this goal, the National Digital Strategy aims to get a further 2,000 businesses trading online by the end of 2015. The Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources has launched an Online Trading Voucher Programme Nationally and has teamed up with the Local Enterprise Offices to deliver this to Irish businesses.
NEXT CLOSING DATE: 28th November 2014
Applications are now being accepted for the vouchers:
- The vouchers are targeted at businesses that have a limited online trading presence; less than 10 employees; turnover less than €2million; applicants must be registered and trading for minimum of 12 months.
- Note: ineligible projects include those with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, ''not for profit'' organisations, trade associations and company representation bodies such as Chambers of Commerce.
Vouchers cannot be used for:
- Development of brochure websites
- Purchase of non-internet related software
- Anything other than online trading related activity
Vouchers can be used for:
- IT consultation
- Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website
- Implementing online payments or booking systems
- 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 in one payment phase)
- Developing an app
- Implementing a digital marketing strategy
- Consultation with ICT experts
- Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage online trading activity
Eligibility Criteria
- Vouchers will be available to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% eligible expenditure (inclusive of VAT), whichever is the lesser;
- Voucher approval must be gained prior to incurring any expense;
- Own labour is not an eligible expense;
- Third party costs only will be considered;
- All third party/supplier invoices must contain proper business details (e.g. Tax and Business Registration details).
- Three Quotes must be provided for costs at application stage, otherwise application will not be considered.
How to apply?
- Next Closing Date: 28th November 2014
Please return your signed application form by email and by post:
Address: Local Enterprise Office South Cork, Unit 6a South Ring Business Park, Kinsale Road, Cork.
