To empower the online presence of small Irish businesses, Online Trading Vouchers are now accessible in Cork City and County, providing a value of €2,500 or up to 50% of the total cost—whichever is lesser. This initiative, aligned with the Government’s National Digital Strategy, is facilitated through the Local Enterprise Offices and extends to various regions, including Dublin City & County, Louth, Sligo, Kerry, and Waterford, with plans for further expansion.

Amidst the surge in online spending, it’s alarming that only a quarter of small Irish businesses actively participate in eCommerce sales. This percentage could be even lower for companies with at most ten employees. Astonishingly, about three-quarters of online purchases made in Ireland are conducted in overseas markets.

Recognising the urgency to address this digital reality, the National Digital Strategy strives to bring several thousand more businesses online by the end of 2016. Eligible businesses must meet specific criteria, such as having a limited online trading presence, employing fewer than ten people, generating a turnover of less than €2 million, and having a minimum trading history of 12 months.

Applicants are required to attend an Information Session before submitting a voucher application. Ineligible projects include those with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, not-for-profit organisations, trade associations, and company representation bodies like Chambers of Commerce.

Online Trading Vouchers can be utilised for diverse purposes, from developing or upgrading an e-commerce website to implementing online payments, purchasing internet-related software, engaging in online advertising, app development, and implementing digital marketing strategy.