Online Retail Scheme 2023 – Enterprise Ireland Grant Applications Now Open
If you’re an Irish-based retailer looking to develop a more competitive online presence, we’ve got some great news for you. The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) has just launched a call for the Online Retail Scheme 2023, which aims to encourage retailers to improve their online offerings and expand their customer base both online and offline.
Important Dates
Applications for funding are now open and will close on May 3, 2023, at 12 pm (noon) for submission. The required accounts must be submitted no later than 5.30 pm on May 3, 2023. So, if you’re interested in this grant, make sure to submit your application as soon as possible!
Purpose of the Grant
The purpose of this fund is to help Irish-based retailers who already have an existing online presence to digitise their operations, respond to consumer demand for online shopping, and build a more resilient business that can weather the ups and downs of the domestic and global marketplace. The fund will also support retailers in finding and retaining customers with their existing infrastructure, protecting their physical operations by enabling growth through an online marketplace, and building digital skills and new roles within the business in e-commerce and supporting activities.
Funding Available
If you’re successful in your application, you could be awarded funding to support up to 50% of the project eligible costs of €50,000, with a maximum grant of €25,000. This could cover everything from research and consultancy costs for strategy development to implementation and in-house training.
Who is Eligible?
To apply, your retail enterprise must be based in Ireland, have at least 10 employees, and have the potential to sustain or create jobs and generate growth in online transactions, with an ambition to internationalise your business in the future. Your company must also have an existing online presence (e.g., website or social media) and derive the majority of your company revenue from retailing products directly to individual consumers through a physical store.
What are the Benefits of the Online Retail Scheme Grant?
- Financial support: The grant provides financial assistance to eligible businesses to help them improve their online presence and e-commerce capabilities. This financial support can help businesses to invest in technology, hire digital marketing experts or develop online platforms that can help them reach more customers and generate more sales.
- Increased online visibility: With the help of the grant, businesses can improve their online visibility and attract more customers. This can help businesses to build brand awareness, establish a strong online presence and ultimately increase sales.
- Improved customer experience: By investing in e-commerce technologies, businesses can improve the customer experience by offering a more convenient and streamlined online shopping experience. This can help to build customer loyalty and increase repeat business.
- Competitive advantage: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for businesses to remain competitive. By investing in their online capabilities, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and attract more customers.
- Expert support: The Online Retail Scheme grant provides businesses with access to expert support and advice to help them develop their online capabilities. This can be invaluable for businesses that may not have the expertise in-house to develop their online strategies.
Emarkable Can Help
If you’re interested in applying for the Online Retail Scheme 2023 grant, Emarkable can guide you through the application process to make it as easy as possible. What’s more, when you apply, you’ll have access to the expertise of Emarkable, an experienced Digital Consultancy Company in this scheme. We have worked with a wide range of retailers to build an effective web presence, conduct research, develop & implement a digital marketing strategy and in-house training.
So if you have an existing online presence, a physical retail store, and you derive the majority of your company revenue from retailing products directly to individual consumers, don’t miss out on this opportunity. Complete the form below to get in touch, and let’s build a more successful, competitive, and resilient future for your business!
