LEO expands trading online voucher scheme to help launch a new website
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has updated its popular trading online voucher scheme. Over the last few years, Hidden Depth has created many websites with clients who received LEO funding.
The scheme typically provides up to a 50% rebate (up to €2500) for a website to be professionally designed and built. So a site that cost €5000; would require a business pay €2500 and LEO would co-fund €2500.
Until September 2020, the minimum contribution by a business is reduced to 10% (€250). If the work costs €2500, the business will pay €250 and LEO will co-fund €2500.
Your website does not have to be a large e-commerce shop. Vouchers can be used for a new website or to update an existing website with an e-commerce element like a booking system or payment form.
Under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, the expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade more online, boost sales and reach new markets. There is up to €2,500 available through the Local Enterprise Offices with co-funding of 10% from the business*.
Local Enterprise Office
The criteria are:
- You must be trading for a minimum of 6 months
- You must employ 10 or fewer people
- You must have revenue under €2 million per year
- Your website must be online within 3 months of funding approval
Vouchers can be used for:
- Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website
- Implementing a payments or booking system
- Purchasing internet related software
- Development and/or implementation of a digital marketing strategy
- Training for your new website system
Online marketing support for your website
People who have already received a trading online voucher can apply for a second voucher to cover marketing related work. This is a real boost — without good marketing in place, a new website can fail to attract customers.
The same 10% contribution is required until September. After that, the scheme will return to the normal 50% co-funding payment.
Contact your Local Enterprise Office
The first step is to find and contact your Local Enterprise Office. You usually attend an info session or 1 on 1 mentoring (online for now). This helps you focus on the requirements for a new website.
LEO does not endorse any specific web design business. You find your own designer who you wish to work with.
If you have questions about a new website or how we’ll work together once you get funding — take advantage of my free 30-minute confidential brainstorming session.
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