New grant scheme launched to help online traders increase their presence
A new grant scheme has been launched to help small e-commerce traders in Kildare enhance their online presence.
The Trading Online Voucher (TOV) can be used by any small online business providing they have 10 or less employees and less than €2m in annual revenue.
The vouchers, offered by Kildare Local Enterprise Office, are worth up to €2,500, covering 50% of eligible costs up to the maximum of €2,500 and are available to help e-commerce businesses build their brand, increase sales, exports and jobs.
Businesses that have already taken advantage of the scheme are able to apply for a second TOV grant, to part-fund their digital marketing strategy or maximise their business potential.
The Local Enterprise Office is also keen to help businesses that are interested in setting up an online presence. Its Kildare e-commerce platform provides a free, user friendly wat to move into online sales.
The criteria for the new grant scheme is as follows
- Only applications received in full with 3 quotations will be considered for approval.
- Businesses who previously benefited from the Trading Online Voucher Scheme can now apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500.
- Applications must be submitted within 9 months of completing the information seminar.
- Funding is provided by the LEO of the area in which the business operates and provides employment – If the case is that the business is registered in Kildare, but operates in Dublin for example, the business will be funded by and must submit the application to Dublin.
- Applicants must now drawdown from the funding allocation within 6 months.
- 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).
- no more than 10 employees;
- less than €2m in turnover;
- be trading for at least 6 months and
- be located in Kildare
The vouchers can be used towards the cost of:
- 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 down in one payment phase)
- Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages)
- Implementing a digital marketing strategy i.e. Social media marketing
- Consultation with ICT experts for early stage adopters of online strategy
- Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an online trading activity
In order to apply for a Trading Online Voucher, the Local Enterprise Office requires business owners to first attend a TOV information seminar.
Book your place on our next Trading Online Voucher seminar here.