TRADING ONLINE VOUCHERS

To support small Irish businesses to enhance their online trading presence, Trading Online Vouchers to the value of €2,500 (up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost) are now available to Donegal Businesses through a programme under the Government’s National Digital Strategy and delivered through the Local Enterprise Offices.

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.

Attendance at an Information Session is required prior to submission of an application. Vouchers will be available to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure, whichever is the lesser.

Who is eligible?

The vouchers are targeted at businesses that have a limited online trading presence less than 10 employees turnover less than €2 million 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.

Trading Online Vouchers can be used for:

The development or upgrade of an e-commerce website such as implementing online payments or booking systems.  Other usage includes; purchase of Internet related software, online advertising, development of an app, implementation of a digital marketing strategy, consultation with ICT experts for early stage adopters of online strategy, training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an online trading activity.

Vouchers cannot be used for:

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

If you have any queries in relation to the scheme please email: grace.korbel@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call (074) 9160735.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme will be operational throughout all of 2019.

Please note information sessions are 5 times throughout 2019 from 10am - 11am on the following dates:

• 15th January
• 5th March
• 7th May
• 10th September
• 5th November

Click here to book your place