Get Your Business Online with an Online Trading Voucher
If you run a small business in Ireland, you need an online presence. We all know that now. There is no escaping it anymore.
Many business owners have embraced digital media with varying degrees of success. More watch from the sidelines hoping it’s a fad that won’t catch on.
After all, what business needs more expenditure, frittering hard-earned cash into the virtual money pit of online advertising? Unfortunately, we can’t get away with that excuse anymore…
More consumers are online than ever before. The digital economy is growing by 16% year on year and will be worth 17 billion in 2017, according to government sources. But only 23% of Irish business are using online channels as part of their business marketing strategy.
The government is keen to get more small businesses online and are offering incentives to qualifying firms to take the plunge. SME’s trading longer than a year, with a turnover less than €2 million, are invited to apply for an Online Trading Voucher worth up to €2,500. Of course there are other terms and conditions attached, but nothing too onerous. In fact, I urge any business to apply – you have nothing to lose, and possibly a lot to gain.
Recently, I helped a startup get a €2,500 grant under this scheme, and used it to cover costs for a marketing a new product online – and made a return of over 1100% in one month. This company had only a limited online presence beforehand, but now sells to customers worldwide via the company website.
This initiative provides funding to be used for building an e-commerce platform, purchasing internet software, app development, developing a digital marketing strategy, photography and video, online advertising, and specialist advice and training. This scheme is part of the National Digital Strategy which aims to get a further 2,000 businesses trading online by the end of 2015.
If interested contact your Local Enterprise Office for more information. In Cork, email Ciara Fitzgerald or call (021) 4975281.