17/06/2016

Trading Online Voucher Scheme Launched

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has announced its new Trading Online Voucher Scheme, specifically designed to support small businesses to trade online.

The EU Commission's digital economic and social index shows that 32% of Irish SMEs (10+ employees) are trading online, which puts Ireland well ahead of the EU average. Smaller businesses, however, tend to be significantly less engaged in online activity. This is borne out by recent research by Indecon and in the IE Domain Registry's findings.

Minister Denis Naughten said: "Small businesses are the backbone of every Irish provisional town and village and, with consumers across Ireland now spending almost €850,000 online each hour, trading online is essential to create new business, new jobs and new exports. Changes in consumption patterns are growing rapidly in importance and impact.

"As a small, open economy, our small businesses need to compete in a global market place and the Trading Online Voucher is one way for them to get ahead".

Operated through the national network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), the Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 to small businesses to develop their trading online capacity, along with training, mentoring and networking support. 

(MH/LM)

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