A major expansion of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme will help small and micro enterprises in Dublin Fingal to get their business online, Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell has said.
Deputy Farrell encouraged all suitable small businesses in Dublin Fingal to apply to help meet the ongoing trading challenges stemming from the COVID-19 crisis.
Deputy Farrell said: “The expansion of this scheme is wonderful news for small businesses in Dublin Fingal and all over Ireland.”
“Under the Scheme, small businesses can claim up to €5,000 in two grants worth €2,500 each. The Scheme also facilitates subscriptions to low-cost online retailing platform solutions to quickly establish a retailing presence online.”
“Local Enterprise Offices received 3 years’ worth of applications in 3 months following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland. Following a previous expansion of the Scheme in early April, total additional funding for the Scheme is now almost €20m in 2020.”
“The Scheme is an essential part of our Covid-19 business supports for small businesses, and it is vital that we continue to make it available for enterprises to meet the ongoing trading challenges.”
“Thousands of small businesses across the country and many across Fingal have already benefited from funding under the scheme. The additional funding announced today will mean that total funding for the scheme has been increased by almost 1000%.”
Deputy Farrell continued: “Now more than ever enterprises are relying on their online capabilities to interact with their customers. This funding will provide crucial support in these very challenging times. It will also ensure that enterprises are building the capacity now which will see them well positioned to take advantage of the digital transformation into the future, as more and more consumers take their business online.”
“The ability to trade online has become more and more valuable as we move through the phases of re-opening our economy, particularly as we face into a period of reduced capacity on shop floors.”
“Online sales have been a lifeline to many SMEs during COVID19 and we have seen major success stories of small businesses actually increasing their sales during the pandemic due to their online platform. We want to make sure that continues.”
“Businesses and companies that remain offline are missing out, not only on the opportunity to pivot their business model in tackling the current challenges, but also in being part of Ireland’s future digital economy.”
Deputy Farrell concluded: “I would like to commend my Fine Gael colleagues, Ministers Heather Humphreys and Richard Bruton, on their strong commitment to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and to supporting the increasing demand from small enterprises to develop or upgrade their online presence.”