The Online Trading Voucher Scheme in Ireland is a government initiative aimed at helping small businesses in the country to improve their online presence and e-commerce capabilities. The scheme, which is administered by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) throughout the country, provides financial support to small businesses that want to develop or improve their online trading activities.
One of the main goals of the Online Trading Voucher Scheme is to help small businesses in Ireland to better compete in the digital economy. The scheme aims to do this by providing financial assistance to businesses that want to develop or improve their online trading activities. This includes things like building a new website, improving an existing website, developing an e-commerce platform, or implementing online marketing strategies.
To be eligible for the Online Trading Voucher Scheme, businesses must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, businesses must be based in Ireland and must have fewer than 10 employees. In addition, businesses must be trading for at least 6 months and must have a turnover of less than €2 million per year. Finally, businesses must not have received any other state aid in the past 3 years.
Once a business has been deemed eligible for the Online Trading Voucher Scheme, it can apply for a voucher worth up to €2,500. The voucher can be used to pay for a range of services, including website development, e-commerce platform development, search engine optimization, and online marketing.
To apply for a voucher, businesses must first complete an online application form, which can be found on the website of their local LEO. The application process is straightforward and easy to complete, and businesses should receive a decision on their application within a few weeks.
Once a business has been approved for a voucher, it can then start working with a service provider to develop or improve its online presence. The service provider must be an approved supplier, which means that they must meet certain standards and have the necessary expertise to provide the services required.
One of the key benefits of the Online Trading Voucher Scheme is that it helps small businesses to access the expertise and services they need to succeed in the digital economy. By providing financial assistance and access to approved service providers, the scheme helps businesses to develop and improve their online presence and e-commerce capabilities, which in turn can help them to grow and prosper.
In addition to providing financial assistance, the Online Trading Voucher Scheme also offers businesses access to a range of other supports and resources. For example, businesses can attend workshops and events designed to help them develop their digital skills and knowledge.
Overall, the Online Trading Voucher Scheme is a valuable resource for small businesses in Ireland that want to develop or improve their online presence and e-commerce capabilities. By providing financial assistance and access to expert services, the scheme helps businesses to better compete in the digital economy and to grow and prosper.
If you would like to get a professional website design quotation to help support your Online Trading Voucher Scheme application request a quotation from us today.