A new Enterprise Ireland €2 million Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme has been launched to support retail companies to enhance their digital capability.
The new fund will be open to indigenous retailers with a physical store and employing 10 or more people to develop a more competitive online offer in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Successful applicants will receive financial support of up to 80 percent of eligible project costs, with funding ranging from €10,000 to €40,000 under the competitive call.
The Scheme, which was recently announced by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys, aims to address the urgent need for retail companies to achieve a step change in online capability to achieve business continuity, and to lay foundations for future recovery and growth.
The €2 million fund operated and administered by Enterprise Ireland is targeted at indigenous retailers with a pre-existing online presence to accelerate their online offerings to respond to both domestic and international consumer demand. The grant can be used to fund fees for service providers, develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training and enhance the retailer’s website.
The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme is complementary to the €2,500 Trading Online Vouchers provided through the Local Enterprise Offices for companies with less than 10 employees.
The online application platform will remain open until 3.00pm, Wednesday, 27 May 2020. Information on the Covid 19 Online Retail Scheme and details on how to apply are available at www.enterprise-ireland.com/