Question 1

What is the Trading Online Voucher Scheme?

Accepted Answer

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a government initiative in Ireland aimed at helping small businesses with up to 50 employees to trade more online, boost sales, and reach new markets. The scheme offers financial assistance of up to €5,000, covering 50% of eligible expenditure to develop or enhance their online trading presence.

Question 2

Who is eligible for the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

Businesses eligible for the Trading Online Voucher must have limited or no e-commerce presence, employ 50 or fewer people, have a turnover of less than €2 million, and be trading for at least six months. The business must also be located within the area covered by the Local Enterprise Office to which they apply and must attend a mandatory information session.

Question 3

How can the Trading Online Voucher benefit my business?

Accepted Answer

The Trading Online Voucher can benefit your business by reducing the cost of developing your online trading capacity by up to 50%. This support can cover website development, digital marketing, e-commerce platform upgrades, and other online trading activities, helping to enhance your online presence and increase sales. Effco offers tailored packages such as Booking Integration, E-commerce Kickstart, Marketing Boost, and Analytics Intro to maximize these benefits.

Question 4

What expenses are covered by the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

Eligible expenses covered by the Trading Online Voucher include IT consultation, e-commerce website development or upgrade, online payments or booking systems, internet-related software purchases, online advertising (up to 30% of voucher value), app development, digital marketing strategy implementation, and training/skills development for online trading. Effco’s packages are designed to cover these aspects comprehensively.

Question 5

What are the ineligible expenses for the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

The voucher does not cover the development of brochure websites (websites without e-commerce facilities), non-internet-related software purchases, or any activity not directly related to online trading. Additionally, own labour is not considered an eligible expense.

Question 6

How do I apply for the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

To apply for the Trading Online Voucher, you need to contact your local Enterprise Office and attend a mandatory information seminar. After the seminar, you can submit an application detailing your online trading plans and associated costs. The application will be reviewed by an evaluation team, and if approved, you will receive the voucher. Effco will assist you with all necessary paperwork and guide you through each step of the process.

Question 7

Can I get a second Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

Yes, businesses that have previously received a Trading Online Voucher can apply for a second voucher to further improve their online trading capabilities. However, they must first submit the final claim for their initial voucher before applying for another.

Question 8

How long does the approval process take for the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

The approval process can vary, but typically it takes a few weeks from the time of application submission to receive a decision. Completing the mandatory information seminar and providing a detailed, well-prepared application can help expedite the process. Effco's expert team can help streamline your application.

Question 9

What kind of support does Effco provide for the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

Effco provides comprehensive support for businesses applying for the Trading Online Voucher, including assistance with the application process, strategic planning for online trading enhancements, execution of digital marketing campaigns, and post-project support to ensure successful reimbursement and project outcomes. Effco will help you with all the necessary paperwork and guide you through each step of the process. Their packages, such as Marketing Boost and Analytics Intro, are tailored to optimize your online trading capabilities.

Question 10

How does the Trading Online Voucher help with SEO and PPC efforts?

Accepted Answer

The Trading Online Voucher can cover costs associated with SEO and PPC efforts, such as hiring experts to optimize your website for search engines, creating and managing PPC campaigns, and employing analytics tools to track and improve online marketing performance. This can lead to increased traffic, higher conversion rates, and better ROI for your business. Effco’s Marketing Boost package includes comprehensive SEO and PPC services.

Question 11

Are training costs covered by the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Trading Online Voucher covers training costs that help businesses enhance their online trading capabilities. This includes training on digital marketing, e-commerce management, and other relevant skills to improve your business's online operations. Effco’s packages include training components tailored to your needs.

Question 12

What are the key criteria for a successful Trading Online Voucher application?

Accepted Answer

Key criteria for a successful application include a clear and detailed plan for online trading enhancement, realistic budget estimates, evidence of potential business impact, and a commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe. Attendance at the mandatory information seminar is also crucial. Effco provides strategic planning support to help ensure your application meets these criteria.

Question 13

Can non-profits apply for the Trading Online Voucher?

Accepted Answer

Non-profit organizations can apply for the Trading Online Voucher if they meet the eligibility criteria, such as having fewer than 50 employees, a turnover of less than €2 million, and a limited online presence. They must also be registered and operating in Ireland and trading for at least six months.

Leverage the Trading Online Voucher with Effco

Why avail of the Trading Online Voucher?

How to avail of the scheme?

Attend

Apply

Get approval

Save €5,000. Twice.
Each company can avail of two vouchers.

Eligibility criteria

Tailored packages to boost your online presence

Booking Integration

E-commerce Kickstart

Marketing Boost

Analytics Intro

Frequently asked questions

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