HOW TO: Get a second Trading Online Voucher (up to €2,500)
Great news! The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is back - and you can apply for it even if you already received an earlier grant.
There is a caveat though. Last year, the grant covered up to 90% of the cost of a web project (ie. adding ecommerce functionality). This was capped at €2,500.
The ideal example is that you would pay €2,750 to a web/marketing developer, and be refunded €2,500 from the Local Enterprise Board.
This year, the grant covers up to 50% of the cost of a project - though it's still capped at €2,500. This means a €5,000 project will only cost you €2,500 after your refund.
Is my business eligible?
There are also some stipulations on who can apply:
- Limited or no e-commerce presence
- 10 or less employees
- Turnover less than €2m
- Applicant business must be trading for at least 6 Months and be able to show proof
- Business must be located in the area covered by the LEO to whom they make their application
- Applicants for a second voucher are required to participate in an information session
- All third party/supplier invoices must contain proper business details (e.g Tax and Business Registration details)
What can I buy with it?
The purpose of the grant is to "boost sales and reach new markets", so SEO related-work on existing websites and further development of an ecommerce presence are ideal examples.
The Local Enterprise Board also state that the grant can be used towards adding payment facilities or booking systems to your website or developing new apps for your customers.
The voucher can also be used towards subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions, to help companies quickly establish a retailing presence online (think premium WooCommerce plugins/addons, Shopify, Metorik, etc.).
Here is a list of the services the Local Enterprise Board specifies the voucher can be used for:
- IT Consultation
- Development or upgrade of e-commerce website
- Implementing online payments or booking systems
- Purchase of Internet related software
- Developing an app (or multi-platform web pages)
- Development of a digital marketing strategy
- Implementing a digital marketing strategy
- Training/Skills development specifically to establish and manage online trading activity
- 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). i.e 30% of web development costs
- Professional Photography costs (this purchase cannot make up any more than 80% of other approved voucher costs) i.e 80% of web development costs
What can't I buy with it?
It's worth noting what the voucher CANNOT be used for:
- Development of brochure websites
- Purchase of non-internet related software
- Anything other than online trading related activity
How do I apply?
Once you're happy that you meet the criteria listed above, all you need to do is attend an information seminar hosted by the Local Enterprise Board.
You can find your local Enterprise Board from the map here. Simply reach out to them to book your slot in the next online information seminar (usually 2 to 3 hours).
Once complete you'll be able to apply for the Trading Online Voucher. Your Local Enterprise Board will provide you with the form to kick off the application.
Still unsure about the process or want us to assess your selected developer? Are you unsure if you even need or want this? Click here to start a chat with us, shoot us an email at [email protected] or send a message on Instagram