The Local Enterprise Offices administer the Trading Online Voucher Scheme on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This scheme offers skills training, mentoring and financial support of up to €2,500 to help eligible businesses to develop their ecommerce capability, but does not cover the capital cost of equipment.
However, businesses already involved in information and communication would need to demonstrate a unique and innovative approach to their service delivery to justify their application for a Trading Online Voucher.
Enterprise Ireland implement the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme to support Irish-owned retailers to enhance their digital capability and to develop a more competitive online offering that will enable an increase in their customer base and build a more resilient business in the domestic and global marketplace, both online and offline. Under this Scheme, the successful applicants receive funding ranging from €16,000 to €40,000 to strengthen their online offering. The average grant value is €36,800 and covers up to 80% of project costs.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Future of Media Commission is examining how public service aims can be delivered and sustainably funded through the broadcasting, print and online media in Ireland over the next 10 years, while ensuring that independent editorial oversight is maintained and Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors are supported.
