Irish government announces funding for retailers to go digital
As many businesses scramble to adapt to online selling in an effort to quickly recoup their coronavirus losses, the government has announced an ‘Online Retail Scheme’.
This enables Irish retailers to enhance and improve their digital capability while developing a more competitive online presence.
Successful applicants will be awarded funding of up to 80% of the project eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000.
This scheme will provide Irish retailers with additional resources to respond and adapt their business model to the current and upcoming challenges while increasing their customer base to build a more resilient business in the domestic and global marketplace, both online and offline.
Where traditional business operations have been gravely disrupted by Covid-19, this is a great opportunity for retailers to bounce back.
Who can apply?
The applicant must be an Irish retail enterprise that had 10 or more employees on or before 29 February 2020 and has the potential to sustain or create jobs and generate growth in online transactions. The business must also:
- Have an existing online presence (website or social media).
- Have a retail outlet and derive the majority of revenue from the retail outlet.
- Previous applicants of the Online Retail Scheme who were unsuccessful will be eligible to re-apply with a modified proposal.
- Previously successful applicants are eligible to re-apply, once they have fully completed the project funded, claimed all eligible costs and propose a clearly different project to that undertaken previously.
How to apply
Application must be made via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System during the call open dates.
Call open date:Wednesday 29th April 2020
Call close date: Wednesday 27th May 2020 at 3pm.
How Covid-19 is reshaping the Irish retail landscape
It is certain that this pandemic is going to lead to long-lasting changes in consumer behaviour. Those previously not accustomed to online shopping have, through necessity, shifted to online selling. This could see some areas of retail experiencing a greater shift into e-commerce than ever before.
While traditional bricks and mortar retailers are suffering major losses, those who have an online presence are well placed to benefit or – at the very least – maintain their business.
High street stores suffered a steep decline in sales in March, preceding the shutdown. The only sectors to experience growth were grocers and non-store retailing, with online sales reaching a record high of 22.3%.
Why use Mercury Order?
Thankfully, this software as a service is an ideal solution for many business owners to convert their sales from instore, to online. Investing in an online ordering service – such as Mercury Order – deems retailers eligible for the grant. Mercury Order offers starter, advanced and enterprise options with bespoke integrations.
For further information contact us today: +353 1 247 5294.
