Look to the future: join the online shopping revolution

By William O’Connor

FIRMS wishing to join the revolution in online shopping and trading can avail of a new grant being offered by the Government.

According to Dublin South West TD and Minister for Children, Dr Katherine Zappone, the grants are being provided to allow businesses to take a slice of the €850,000 that shoppers spend every hour online, 24 hours a day, every day.

The funding is being made available after research showed that one in four small businesses are missing out on the opportunity to expand and create new jobs.

Minister Zappone added: “Tallaght is already established as one of the top shopping locations in the country, however, as shoppers move increasingly online we must ensure that our small traders, who form the backbone of the local economy, are not left behind.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a Government initiative lead by Minister for Communications Denis Naughten TD to assist small businesses to trade online. Operated through the national network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices, the scheme offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 (subject to match funding), along with training, mentoring and networking support.

If you own a small business, with 10 or fewer employees and less than €2m in revenue, with little or no capacity to trade online, call your Local Enterprise Office.

Over 2,000 small businesses have benefited so far, and roll-out of the scheme continues nationwide – benefit from expert advice and peer-to-peer support available; halve the cost developing your online trade capacity (50 per cent grant available, up to a maximum €2,500); increase your sales by on average 20 per cent; boost sales leads by over 80 per cent.

Dublin South business owner, Dave McGeady of Wyldsson Ltd, (Manufacturer of healthy snack foods, Tallaght, Dublin 24), availed of the scheme:

“We heard about the scheme at the ideal time because it was time to raise our game and improve our website. We received hugh support from our Local Enterprise Office from day one and throughout our project.

“With help from the Trading Online Voucher, Wyldsson has experienced an increase in sales and we now employ an additional 2 people full-time. Today, exports account for 35 per cent of sales.” (www.wyldsson.com).

Contact LEO Dublin South at 4149000 for details.