It’s your last chance to avail of up to €2,500 for your business.

The Trading Online Voucher, a government initiative aimed at assisting small and medium enterprises in enhancing their online presence, will be closing applications on October 31st 2024. This program, provided through Local Enterprise Offices, offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500, covering 50% of the costs associated with implementing or improving an e-commerce platform. With the increasing shift towards digital commerce, this voucher has been a critical resource for businesses looking to establish or grow their online operations.

Eligible businesses must have fewer than 10 employees, an annual turnover of less than €2 million, and be trading for at least six months. The funds provided through the voucher can be used for a variety of online improvements, including the development of e-commerce websites, digital marketing strategies, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and even training or consultancy to guide online growth. This opportunity is especially valuable for businesses operating in competitive markets, where an online presence can greatly enhance visibility, customer reach, and ultimately, revenue.

As the deadline of October 31st approaches, we strongly encourage SMEs to submit their applications to avail of this fantastic support. Given the shift in consumer behaviour towards online shopping, having a robust e-commerce capabilities has become essential for businesses of all sizes. The Trading Online Voucher has helped numerous companies transition to the digital economy, boosting their ability to sell goods and services online.

Interested in availing of the Trading Online Voucher? We’d be more than happy to help with your application. Simply drop us an email today: info@craftdigital.ie

 

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Not sure if your business is eligible or what you can use the grant for? Here’s everything you need to know about the Trading Online Voucher scheme.

What is the Trading Online Voucher scheme?

Under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, the scheme helps small Irish businesses trade online, increase sales and reach new markets via digital methods. It offers financial assistance of up to €2,500 (with co-funding of 50% from the business) along with training and advice to help businesses sell online more effectively. This grant cuts the cost of developing a business’s online trading capacity by half, making it very cost-friendly for small Irish businesses looking to get started online.

Who can apply for the Trading Online Voucher scheme?

Irish businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Trading Online Voucher scheme:

– Limited or no e-commerce presence
– 10 employees or less
– Turnover of less than €2 million
– 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 (find your nearest LEO here.)

I’ve already availed of the Trading Online Voucher scheme in the past, is there another grant I can receive?

Good news! As of April 8th 2020, businesses that have already received a Trading Online Voucher in the past can now apply for a second voucher where upgrades are required, further improving their online trading capability.

What can the Trading Online Voucher be used for?

The grant can be used for a wide variety of trading online related services including:

– IT consultation
– Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website
– Implementing Online payments or booking systems
– Purchase of Internet-related software
– Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages)
– Development of a digital marketing strategy
– Implementing a digital marketing strategy
– Social media for business
– Search Engine Optimisation
– Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an online trading activity
– Subscriptions (excluding transaction costs) to low cost online retail platform solutions
– Purchase of online advertising (T&Cs Apply)
– Purchase of Professional Photography (T&Cs Apply)

Not sure how these apply to your existing business model? Chat to us and we can advise on how to get your business selling online.

How do I apply?

It’s easy to apply for the grant. All you have to do is submit the application form and attend a short information webinar hosted by your Local Enterprise Office.

Interested in availing of the Trading Online Voucher? We’d be more than happy to help with your application. Simply drop us an email today: info@craftdigital.ie

The post Act fast: the Trading Online Voucher scheme is coming to an end! appeared first on Craft Digital.