Guide To The Trading Online Voucher Scheme
We explain how you can claim the trading online voucher scheme grant of up to €2,500
What Can The Trading Online Voucher Scheme Be Used For?
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a grant of up to €2,500 towards one of the following options:
Website Options
- New website
- Website redesign
- Website upgrade
Marketing Options
- Creation of a digital marketing strategy
- Set-up of a digital marketing campaign
- Cost of digital marketing campaign
- A combination of the above (strategy, set-up and campaign cost)
Who Is The Scheme Aimed At?
The Trading Online Voucher scheme is aimed at microbusinesses and sole traders who want to improve their digital standing.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Enterprise and administered by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO). You can receive up to €2,500 in matched funding to pay a web development company or a digital marketing company to do the work for you.
What Projects Qualify?
The first option is a new or upgraded website for eCommerce purposes. However, this does not mean you have to be selling products online. It could be, for example, implementing an online booking system for your clients or customers. There is flexibility depending on what business you are in.
The second option is to create a digital marketing strategy and/or to implement a digital marketing campaign which can include payment towards Google, Facebook,Instagram and LinkedIn campaigns.
How Does Matched Funding Work?
Let’s say you want a new eCommerce website costing €4,000. You will need to have the full €4,000 to pay for the work upfront, and will receive 50% back after the project is completed and you have paid for it in full. So in this case you will receive €2,000 as a grant payment.
Who Can Receive The Grant?
To qualify you must be able to prove you have been trading for at least six months and have less than ten employees and a turnover no larger than €2m.
If you are a start-up and have not yet traded then please call us to discuss other grants that may be available to you.
We Do The Heavy Lifting
We can advise you on what funding you can apply for, and then help you fill out the online application, including sourcing quotations.
Call us on 01-280 9248 to discuss the Trading Online Voucher or schedule a call.
What Are The Application Steps And Timelines?
Once you have establishd that your project qualifies for the Trading Online Voucher scheme there are several steps involved before you can drawdown the grant.
1. Attend Online Seminar
You must first attend a half-day information seminar run by your local LEO office. These moved to Zoom due to the pandemic and usually run every six weeks or so. The seminar covers a range of digital topics designed to help you decide on what grant option is best for your business. Contacting your LEO office to receive an invite is the first step of the process.
Click Here to find your local Leo Office.
2. Apply Online
After the seminar your LEO will send you a link to their online portal where you will be able to submit an application. You will need some basic information about your business and explain why you want to go ahead with your chosen project and the benefits that you feel will accrue to your business. You also need to upload three quotations for the work from different suppliers. You will receive notice of approval, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.
3. Receive Your Grant
Once approved you can engage your web development or marketing company. Once the work is completed and you have paid your supplier you can immediately apply for your grant payment. You will have to provide the supplier invoice and proof of payment (usually a bank statement). Depending on the payment cycle of your local LEO office it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to receive your payment.
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