21 Aug New Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme will support businesses in Mayo to expand their online presence

Successful applicants will receive grants of up to €40k

 A new Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme will support businesses in Mayo to expand their online presence, Fine Gael Alan Dillon TD has said.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, has launched a new €5.5 million Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme as announced in the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus package.

Deputy Dillon said: Mayo businesses with an existing online presence can now apply to the Online Retail Scheme for a grant of up to a maximum of €40,000.

The Government has been listening to retailers across the country and it is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to make it an urgent priority for businesses to accelerate the growth of their online offering. For many retailers, developing their online sales channel for consumers has been a long-term goal prior to the pandemic

“The fund is designed to help businesses to accelerate their online offerings to respond to both domestic and international consumer demand.

“The grant will cover 80% of project costs and can be used to fund fees for service providers, to develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training, and to enhance the retailer’s website and related systems.

“Online trade is already so important to many businesses in Mayo. However, with COVID-19, businesses really need to maximize their online presence due to the drop off in footfall in their shops. This fund is designed to help them do exactly that and hopefully will boost their business after what has no doubt been a very difficult few months in retail.

“I encourage all Mayo businesses to apply for a grant when the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme opens for applications on Monday, 31 August 2020. There is a simple application process accessible through the Enterprise Ireland website.”