New funding has been announced to help small businesses here in Cork North West to develop their online capabilities, according to North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea.
Councillor O’Shea said the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment backed Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) will support small/micro businesses in developing their e-commerce capabilities through the provision of training, advice and grant assistance of up to €2,500 (subject to match funding).
Cllr. O’Shea said: “The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is essential to helping small business in Cork North West adapt to the changes and increase further productive growth and job creation.
“In 2018, the government supported 44 local businesses here in Cork North West with funding as part of the Scheme.
“Fine Gael in government will continue developing commerce and job creation, both nationally and regionally.”
Minister Richard Bruton said: “There is a digital revolution taking place which is transforming how businesses are interacting with their customers. We must support small businesses in keeping pace with this rapidly changing environment.
“Irish consumers spent approximately €7.8bn online in 2018, with this figure expected to exceed €10bn by 2020. It is of critical importance that small Irish businesses are well positioned to take a share of this market.
“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme provides much needed support in this regard and I am delighted that at least 3,000 small businesses will avail of it in 2019.”
Since launching in 2014, over 5,000 businesses have been granted funding and 12,000 supported with training through the scheme.
