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Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD has announced that applications are now open for the new Enterprise Ireland €2 million COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme to support retail companies to enhance their digital capability. The new fund, which builds on two previous successful calls of the pilot Online Retail Scheme, 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 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 3pm, 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/retail.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys said:
"As Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I understand the serious impact of COVID-19 on the retail sector. By introducing the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme, I want to support indigenous Irish retailers to sustain their business through the crisis and into the future.
"It is one of two online trading schemes that has received additional funding to support firms in this difficult period.
"Online trading will stand to your company for years to come. It will boost your revenue and make your business more resilient, and I would strongly encourage all retailers not already trading online to get online."
She added:
"I also want to acknowledge the daily efforts of all of those working in retail – the stores, suppliers, distribution centres and logistics operations, who continue to provide us with the goods that we need in shops and in our homes. It is important that we all continue to shop and trade safely during this difficult time."
Through the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Enterprise Ireland will operate and administer the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme.
Commenting, Stephen Hughes, Head of Consumer Retail, Enterprise Ireland said:
"The Scheme has been developed in response to the challenges currently faced by the retail sector during the global crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has put exceptional pressure on the sector in Ireland and the Online Retail Scheme funding will help support retailers who have found they will have to rapidly adapt their approach to meet an increase in consumer demand and enable online ordering and delivery to meet the new reality of home working and physical distancing restrictions."
For further information on the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme, interested parties can email retail@enterprise-ireland.com
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Nicola Corboy, Press and Media Relations, Nicola.corboy@enterprise-ireland.com or 086 021 0114
Press Office, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, press.office@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631 2200
The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme is open to eligible Irish-owned retail enterprises that had 10 or more employees on or before 29 February 2020 and have the potential to sustain or create jobs, generate growth in online transactions and with an ambition to internationalise their business in the future. This competitive call has a budget of €2 million. Successful applicants will receive funding support of up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000.
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish State agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership and competitiveness. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth and regional development, and help create and sustain employment in Ireland. www.enterprise-ireland.com