How to Apply For The Online Trading Voucher To Receive Your Grant:
If you are an Irish Business owner that is looking to take advantage of the website grant funding, you will first have to attend an obligatory Trading Online Voucher information webinar. In almost all LEO areas these seminars are held online. It is not always necessary to attend a seminar hosted by your own Local Enterprise Office, but when booking it is a good idea to confirm this. At the webinar, attendees will be informed on the purpose of the scheme and how best to use and get value from the application of the voucher. If you are applying for a second voucher you may need to re attend the webinar.
After you have successfully attended the TOV information session and applied for the online trading voucher, you will receive an Approval letter from your LEO and work can commence for your company once you have accepted the voucher. To get your application going you’ll need a quote for your trading online project and we can help with that right now. At FCR Media, we have packages to suit B2B, service and retail businesses. We create the website, ecommerce, booking, or review platform, any required advertising, search engine marketing, and we can supply all of the digital know-how, and ongoing support to get you trading online quickly and effectively. One of our experienced Business Development Representatives can talk to you about your needs and recommend a solution that works for your business. We can show you projects we have done for similar businesses and share their experiences with you. A simple, no jargon, great solution is our promise to you.
The LEO Website Grant for Ireland is Not its Official Title
To be able to apply, you will need to know the grants official name, which is the ‘Trading Online Voucher’ (TOV). This voucher to trade online is administered by your Local Enterprise Office, which is often shortened to just LEO.
Why is There a Website Grant, AKA Online Trading Voucher?
With over 84% of online purchases made in Ireland coming from overseas markets, there is an urgency for more Irish businesses to trade online. With this goal in mind, the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment, (DCCAE) launched a Trading Online Voucher Scheme and have teamed up with Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) to deliver this to Business owners in Ireland.
You currently have a limited online trading presence
10 or less employees (or full-time equivalents)
Have a turnover of less than €2m
Have been trading for at least 6 months
Are located in the catchment area of a LEO (you can find your LEO here)
For a full list of eligibility criteria see https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Trading-Online-Voucher-Scheme/.
There are categories of business excluded from the Trading Online Voucher Scheme as defined by their NACE code. Here is a list of ineligible NACE code published by localenenterprise.ie -
https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkNorthandWest/Image-Gallery/Files/NACE-Codes-TOV.pdf
The NACE code for a business can be checked via CRO registration.
If you have already received the grant, not to worry, you can apply for a second grant to improve your business and further develop your capabilities to trade online. Be aware that there are a limited number of vouchers available, so we encourage you to start the application process as soon as possible.
What Can a Trade Online Voucher AKA Website Grant Do for Your Business?
It covers a lot more than just a grant for your website, you can get part funding for online advertising, a booking system, ecommerce and much more through a Trade Online Voucher (TOV) also known as the Online Trading Voucher, from your Local Enterprise Office (LEO). It will fund 50% or €2,500 (whichever is lesser) of the eligible costs to your business in Ireland for solutions that enable you to trade online in Ireland or other markets, exclusive of VAT. The grant is designed to help small businesses in Ireland trade online, reach new markets and in turn boost their sales.
What This Online Trading Voucher Can Be Used For:
- IT consultation
Development or upgrade of eCommerce capacity to trade online.
Implementing Online payments
Implementing of a 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 multi platform webpages with or without eCommerce)
Development of a digital marketing strategy
Photography costs
Implementing a digital marketing strategy enabling you to trade online
Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an online trading activity What the Website Grant Funding Can’t Be Used For:
Development of brochure websites
Purchase of non-internet related software
More details of what the voucher can and cannot be used for is available here - https://www.localenterprise.ie/SouthDublin/Financial-Supports/Trading-Online-Voucher-Scheme/
Industry Tailored Services
From accommodation providers, food, retail, legal & trades-based services, to consultancy, traditional crafts and more, we have in-depth knowledge of your industry and know how to maximise your return.
Simple Communication
Simplicity is at the core of our products. We know your time is precious, that’s why our team is straight-talking. We give you actionable insights, not jargon and not another set of complex instructions to follow.
Full Merchant Support
We are available when you need us. Our county representatives and support team are on hand to support you, whenever you might need it throughout the year.
No Hassle
"Really no hassle from you guys, very easy to talk with. Helped me when I needed it and always returned calls (which is a pet hate of mine). Can't fault you at all."
Great Service
"Ray was very clued in on what he could offer us. He had ideas that expanded our vision. He was very detailed and wanted to make sure that he had all the correct information. I would highly recommend him."
Easy To Deal With
"I noticed an increase in customer queries almost immediately and I see a steady growth of customers coming through as a result of this advertising. In addition, Golden Pages organised a website for me, I found the process extremely easy."