The time has finally arrived for the retail sector to go online and cope up with the global crisis to sustain their business and ride out the pandemic into a golden future. The Ministry for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (aka DBEI), headed by Heather Humphreys, has recently opened up applications for a new Online Retail Scheme. Under it, the DBEI strives to fund €40,000 to eligible retailers, who wish to achieve business continuity and lay their foundations for future growth and recovery post the global crisis. So, if you own a retail business in the Irish Economy then here's your chance to step up the game and boost your online capability. On successful application for the scheme, businesses can now claim 80% of the project costs of up to €40,000 and at least €10,000 under the competitive call. But, of course, there are some terms and conditions, which you have to be conversant of. Let's check if you are eligible for it and peruse the details of the scheme in the upcoming sections.
Eligibility Criteria for Availing COVID-19 Online Retail SchemeThese are just a few of the criteria that you have to fulfill to seek the benefits of the scheme. So, if your business ticks all the boxes, congratulations! Your chance of gaining from the scheme looks promising. To proceed, submit your application on behalf of a registered company with the Companies Registration Office.
Heather Humphreys' Views on the Online Retail SchemeThe head of the DBEI believes that the Irish retail sector has been affected since the wake of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Given the solemnity of the situation, she anticipates that the launch of the Online Retail Scheme shall be a relief for indigenous Irish retailers, for whom, chances of surviving through the crisis was bleak, even a few days back. She conveys to all that the prompt switch to online trading will both boost revenues of participants and act on the resilience of their business. She even appeals to all retailers to go online so that they can sustain in the future and work together to meet the consumer demand through prompt delivery without hampering the latest norms of social distancing and home working. Lastly, she acknowledges the efforts put in by retail outlets and their supply chain to meet the daily requirements of people and seeks their support during challenging times.
Spotlight on Eligible Activities under the SchemeAs a retail business upgrading to online trading, the following should be the elements for improving your transactional online presence:
ResearchEvery company in the retail sector should assess the current situation and uncover the best roadmap to achieving success in the online retail scheme. This is where 'research' plays its part. If you are to develop your online strategy and make an informed decision, do your research well.
Strategy DevelopmentApart from research, strategy development is necessary to leverage online potential, position brand, and create omnichannel offerings.
ImplementationStrategy implementation is also obligatory for one's plans to take flight. Under it, activities like search engine optimisation, enhancement in business processes and improvements in the website and the back end system must be covered.
Eligible Costs to be Reimbursed Partially by the Irish GovernmentAs stated in the introductory part of the write-up, the Online Retail Scheme plans to award successful applicants a grant of up to €40,000 on showing a company expenditure of a minimum €12,500 on the project. Such costs will be eligible only if it covers the following:
Have you applied for the Retail Scheme yet? Hurry! The call closes on 27 th May 2020 at 3 p.m. If you are interested in online trading and wish to seek the support of the Irish Government then act accordingly. Plus Promotions can help you with the application and brief.
The COVID‑19 Online Retail Scheme is a competitive grant programme administered by Enterprise Ireland to help Irish‑owned retailers strengthen and expand their online trading capability in response to the pandemic.
Retailers must be Irish‑owned, have a physical store, employ at least 10 people (as of before February 2020), already have an online presence, and aim to grow online sales.
Successful applicants can receive grants covering up to 80 % of project costs, with amounts typically ranging from around €10,000 to €40,000 to support online capability improvements.
Grants can be used to fund fees for external service providers, develop and implement a digital strategy, enhance websites and backend systems, and provide in‑house training to support online retail growth.
The scheme was introduced to help indigenous retail businesses adapt to the impact of COVID‑19 by enhancing online capability, driving digital sales, and improving competitiveness in a more digital marketplace.
No. A large proportion of successful applicants, often more than two‑thirds, have been located outside Dublin, reflecting support for retail businesses across Ireland.
Yes. Eligible businesses must generally already have an online presence (such as a website or social media) to qualify for the scheme.
By funding improvements to digital strategy and ecommerce infrastructure, the scheme supports businesses to reach more customers online, broaden their markets, and build resilience for future growth.
Yes. It complements schemes like the Trading Online Voucher Scheme offered by Local Enterprise Offices, which supports smaller companies with up to €2,500 in funding.
There were multiple competitive calls under the COVID‑19 Online Retail Scheme with significant funding awarded in 2020 and 2021 to hundreds of retailers across Ireland.
