Should I Apply for a Trading Online LEO voucher or the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme?
It is a vital time for businesses to have an online presence. The government has responded accordingly to the present times and there are a range of grant schemes available to companies of different sizes and industries. The tradling online LEO voucher and the Covid-19 online retail scheme provide two opportunities for businesses to grow their online presence. But which one is right for you?
What is the Trading Online Voucher Scheme?
The government, through the National Digital Strategy provides financial support to small businesses that have less than 10 employees. The trading online voucher scheme provides grants up to €2,500 to help you get your business online *with co-funding of 10% from your business. In addition to this the service provides training and advice to help your business trade online. Trading online is a vital aspect of modern business and the Trading Online Voucher Scheme cuts the costs making it a more affordable and viable investment and option for small businesses.
What is the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme?
The department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has put forward the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme to respond to the need for retail companies to improve and build their online presence and capacity to do business online. Businesses must have more than 10 employees and put forward an application of more than €12,500 (grant covers 80% of the costs with a minimum of €10,000, a maximum of €40,000). Businesses applying for the scheme must meet the eligibility criteria set out by Enterprise Ireland. The scheme is intended to make improving your online presence to create growth for your business for financially viable during this time.
What are the main differences between the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme?
The Covid-19 online retail scheme is aimed at retail companies that have a retail outlet(s), derive majority of their revenue from the outlet, have more than 10 employees and could benefit significantly from trading online. More details on the eligibility can be found here. In contrast the Trading Online Voucher scheme is aimed at companies that are smaller with less than 10 employees and do not yet have an online presence (they are opening second applications for further improvements if you have already availed but are considering making more improvements). More information on the criteria for the trading online voucher scheme can be found here.
Where can you apply for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme or the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme?
For the Trading Online Voucher Scheme you can find application information here.
For the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme you can find application information here.
Can I work with an agency and avail of the Trading Online Voucher or the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme?
Under the Covid-19 Retail Scheme you can work with an agency to research, strategise and implement your eligible digital changes that enhance your online presence. Working with an agency can provide detailed research about your company, create a strategy that is focused on your business goals and objectives and implement the changes for your business growth.
How can I work with 3B1 and avail of the Covid-19 Retail Scheme?
To start your project with 3B1 we start with a free consultation that you can book online here. From there we put a strategy and proposal together for you that is tailored to your business goals and objectives. Take a look at some of our case studies and past projects here.