Traditional high-street stores are being mauled by online sellers. Here’s a shot for them to combat back through innovation.Enterprise Ireland has actually released its first call for its new EUR1.25 m Online Retail Plan targeted at merchants that wish to develop an online presence. The fund aims to motivate velocity of their online offerings. ‘By providing the Online Retail Scheme, we plan to support

Irish sellers to innovate and, through development, to increase their competitiveness and improve their online presence’– STEPHEN HUGHES The fund is an initiative of the Federal government of Ireland and Business Ireland, and

will provide approximately EUR25,000 in moneying to approximately 25 sellers, totaling up to EUR625,000 in this first call.The function is to support online merchants to improve their online sales capabilities to increase competitiveness

and consequently scale their businesses in international markets. “The retail sector is financially rewarding and extremely competitive, and it is essential that we motivate its sustained development by supplying the mechanisms with which merchants can actively develop broader offerings online,” said Minister for Company, Business and Innovation Heather Humphreys, TD.”My department is devoted to delivering the objectives of Ireland’s enterprise method, Business 2025 Renewed, which aims to support the development and sustainability of quality jobs throughout Ireland, and to increase Irish organisations’trading abilities in action to external obstacles like Brexit. Lined up with this, the Online Retail Scheme is meant to enable Irish retailers to efficiently compete with global business to expand their reach overseas and develop a wider client base.” Are you being served?The Online Retail Scheme is open to applications from retail SMEs with 20 to 249 workers(full-time)based throughout the island of Ireland, and who have a retail outlet. The fund will remain open for 6 weeks, closing to applications

at 3pm on Wednesday 5 December 2018. Interested retailers ought to apply here. The fund will provide grants in between EUR10,000 and EUR25,000 on a match-fund basis with the particular function of boosting digital ability. The overall fund size is EUR1.25 m and locations for funding include research, technique development,

execution and training.”Ireland’s retail sector is a main contributor to our economy, both nationally and at a regional level, but it is under substantial pressure, especially from worldwide competitors with the digital means to extend their reach to Irish customers,”stated Stephen Hughes, head of consumer at Enterprise Ireland.”By delivering the Online Retail Plan, we plan to support Irish sellers to innovate and, through development, to increase their competitiveness and improve their online existence.” Hughes included that increasing the regional economy and returning spending to the high streets of regional towns is a top priority.”

Regional development is a significant pillar of Enterprise Ireland’s technique and we comprehend the function played by retail SMEs in local communities. To this end, once the fund requirements is met, at least half of the total number of funds will be awarded to Irish retail businesses based beyond Dublin.” You Might Also Like You May Also Like