Almost €1 million was granted to 381 businesses across Clare through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme last year, Deputy Joe Carey has confirmed.
The local Fine Gael TD said: “The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to provide support to small and micro-business to develop their online presence. As part of this there is a grant available of up to €2,500 to help them develop or enhance their ability to trade online.
“In addition, as part of the scheme, small and micro businesses can avail of peer-to-peer advice and support through the Local Enterprise Offices.
“I am pleased to say that €952,500 was granted to Clare businesses in 2020 through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. It is great to see local businesses developing and expanding their online offering, particularly during this challenging pandemic as it has offered a new route to market for many businesses affected by closures.
“It is for this reason that funding for the Scheme was increased from €2.3m to €39.8m in 2020 to respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19. The Government also introduced new flexibilities to the Scheme including reducing the requirement for co-funding and allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher where they have successfully utilised their first one.
Deputy Carey encouraged any business in Clare that have not yet applied for the online trading scheme to do so now.
The Clarecastle-based TD added: “In order to be eligible, an applicant business must have a limited online trading presence; 10 or less employees; turnover of less than €2 million; and must be trading for at least 6 months. Businesses should contact Clare Local Enterprise Office for more information on how to apply.”
