Kilkenny retailers encouraged to avail of €3.4 million fund

Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Neale Richmond, TD, today encouraged retailers in Kilkenny to apply for funding to enhance their online presence and increase online sales.

In the latest round of the Online Retail Scheme, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland, retailers can access up to €25,000 in grant funding to strengthen their ecommerce capabilities.

Minister Richmond strongly encouraged businesses to apply for the Scheme, saying that although an online presence is no longer optional for many businesses, it is a key part of any business model and the benefits are huge.

"While it may be an intimidating prospect for some, the Government is determined to support businesses on this journey," he said.

"The Online Retail Scheme is there to help ease this transition and I am delighted that it is again open for applications. 

"Since 2018, the Online Retail Scheme has allocated over €28m in funding in supporting more than 700 projects from Irish retailers. Importantly, the Scheme has a national reach with more than 70% of successful retailers from the previous funding rounds based outside Dublin. 

"Businesses who have participated in the Scheme have reported increased sales, in Ireland and abroad, new employees and an enhanced digital skill set among their current employees. Clearly, digitalisation makes a tangible difference to the success of Irish businesses. 

 "I would encourage all eligible retailers to strongly consider the benefits of this Scheme and apply for funding."

The scheme provides direct financial support to retail companies to develop a more competitive online business offering to complement their in-store offering.

It is administered by Enterprise Ireland and there is €3.4 million available in this round of funding.