trading online voucher scheme
TRANSCRIPT
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
• Overview of the scheme• What’s eligible & not eligible• What the awarding bodies are looking
for• Tips for filling in the application form
What we’ll cover
The “Online Trading Voucher Scheme” is
financial support of up to €2,500
in matching funds available through your Local Enterprise Office.
Online Trading Voucher Scheme aims:
Support small businesses in online trading to:
Increase Business Growth
Increase Exports
Increase Jobs
What is the voucher
Up to €2,500 in matching funds
Matched at 50% for almost all spend
Matched at 30% for online advertising spend
Can be used to fund multiple services simultaneously
Who is eligible?
Businesses with a limited online trading presence
Less than €2 Million Turnover
Less than 10 employees
Trading for a minimum of 12 months
You must be located in the region of the LEO you apply to
Documented proof of the above
Who is not eligible for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme?
ClubsCharities
Not-for-profits AssociationsSemi-states
Conferences Seminars
Some others(see application form)
Duplicate support equivalent to some EU funds
Over €2 Million turnover
Over 10 employees
Trading for less than 12 months
If You Are Trading < 12 Months…
First, start the 12 month clock ticking
Easiest way is register a business name with the CRO (€20)
If You Are Trading < 12 Months…
Most Local Enterprise Offices have a smaller “LEO website grant”
available
If You Are Trading < 12 Months…
The LEO website grant is usually:• Directly from their own funding • Completely discretionary• Less paperwork• Smaller amounts (around €300-600)
If You Are Trading < 12 Months…
Ask your LEO about this directly
If You Are Trading < 12 Months…
What can the Vouchers be used for?
Digital marketing strategy
Development or upgrade of an ecommerce website
Implementing online paymentsor booking functions
Customer fulfilment systems
Internet related software
Development of an app or mobile responsive website
Training
Online Advertising (30% matched)
What the Vouchers cannot be used for
Development of brochure websites
(lead generation sites are fine)
Purchase of non-internet related software
Anything other than online trading related activities
Notable rules
You must attend an informational seminar
(which covers the content you’re getting here)
Excludes VAT (originally it did cover VAT)
You must provide documentation proving eligibility
Application should include 3 quotes for each service
where possible
You must provide documentation proving Supplier eligibility
Must be a registered business
Must be tax compliant in their area
Online Advertising is matched at 30%
What LEO requires for drawdown
Original paid invoice(s) for the work completed
Bank statements showing proof of payment to the supplier
Tax Clearance verification for your business
A copy of your CRO registration or other proof that your business
has been trading for over 12 months
A summary of work done & anticipated benefits to your business
Declaration of project completion by suppliers
Suppliers details (tax clearance information)
What should be included in your application?
Business details:• name• location• start date• business description• contact details
Tell them specifically how it will help your business. Will it help you…
• handle sales automatically• generate new leads• deliver improved customer service, etc
Online competitor analysis (show them you’ve looked)
What is your target market?
Explain how this project will help yougrow your revenue or increase
efficiencies in your business
Internal & External resources you can dedicate to the project
• People• Facilities• Systems
• Processes• Equipment• Material
Existing digital assets in your business that can help the project
• Photos• Videos• Animations• Presentations
• Software• Written
content
Tips for filling in your application
Contact your Local Enterprise Office to ask for the application form
Visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie if you don’t know which is your LEO.
Complete all the required sections Leave nothing completely empty
Contact your LEO for anything you’re unclear about
Do not submit an incomplete application
Make it easy for them to fund you:include all paperwork and
information requested
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