The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Voucher Scheme is a valuable resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow and expand in Ireland. Designed to support business development, this scheme offers financial assistance to cover costs associated with various aspects of business improvement. It includes digital marketing, business strategy, and export development.
The LEO Voucher Scheme can provide the necessary funding and expertise to help you succeed. It aims to enhance competitiveness, create jobs, and drive innovation within Irish business.
Social Web Strategy has been a leading partner in Ireland for those actively seeking to apply for LEO Vouchers. We have the expertise and market knowledge to help potential applicants who have successfully received LEO Vouchers. Let’s explore the key aspects of the LEO Voucher Scheme, including eligibility criteria, application process, and what it can offer to small businesses.
What is the Trading Voucher Scheme?
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is an initiative by the Irish government designed to help small businesses enhance their online presence and digital capabilities. Managed by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), this scheme provides financial assistance in the form of a voucher worth up to €2,500, with a co-funding of 50% (exclusive of VAT) from the businesses. It also provides training and advice to help your business trade online. This may include an e-commerce platform, website, or digital marketing strategy.
The scheme aims to empower small businesses to tap into the growing online market, expand their customer base, and increase sales by developing a strong digital presence. Eligible businesses must have 10 or fewer employees, less than €2 million in turnover, and have been trading for at least six months. Through this scheme, businesses can access expert advice and funding to help them navigate their business potential, resulting in improved growth and sales.
What Are The Terms and Conditions of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme?
Several important terms and conditions are associated with earning the Trading Online Voucher. These criteria are in place to ensure your business is prepared to develop its online capabilities. Here are the key terms you need to be aware of:
- The maximum value of vouchers is €2,500 or 50% of qualified expenses (VAT excluded), whichever is lower.
- Potential candidates must attend an informational session to be eligible for this program.
- The scheme requires interested applicants to attend an information session in order to be considered for a second voucher.
- All applicants must have attended an information session within the last nine months.
- Before incurring any expenses, voucher approval must be obtained. Receipts provided before the application has been approved will not be accepted.
- Own (internal) labour is not an eligible expense.
- Charges incurred by third parties will only be considered.
- All supplier and third-party invoices need to include accurate company information, such as tax and business registration data.
- Some company sectors are not eligible for the Trading Online LEO Voucher Scheme based on their NACE Code.
Trading Online Vouchers: Who is Eligible?
Before applying for the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, knowing if your business meets the necessary criteria is important. These eligible requirements help ensure that the scheme is directed towards businesses benefiting from digital growth opportunities. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Almost no Internet commerce presence
- Ten employees or less
- Revenue of less than €2 million
- The applicant’s business must have operated for at least six months.
- Businesses must be situated in the region served by the LEO to whom the application is made; LEOs cannot accept applications from businesses located outside of their jurisdiction. If you want to check whether your company address is in the South Dublin LEO administrative region, you can find your local enterprise office here.
- Those who have already received a voucher may apply for a second one.
Who is Ineligible For The Trading Online Voucher Scheme?
Not every business qualifies for the Trading Voucher Scheme, and it’s important to recognise the excluded types of businesses. Here are the businesses that do not qualify:
- Businesses with charity status, commercial semi-state businesses, trade groups, or organisations representing businesses, such as chambers of commerce.
- “Not for profit” and social entrepreneurs applicants, except those who work in the commercial sector.
- Specialist IT services that can trade online using existing in-house systems
- Conferences and seminars.
- Proposed projects that are contrary to public policy.
- Duplication of funding for projects that other State Agencies of EU-funded Operational Programs may support.
- Companies with more than ten employees.
- Those projects are deemed capable of proceeding without scheme assistance, i.e., deadweight.
- Importation and distribution projects.
What Can The Trading Online Voucher Be Used For?
The LEO voucher is intended to cover specific costs directly contributing to your business’s digital growth. Below are some of the key areas where the TOV can be applied:
- IT Consulting
- E-commerce website development or upgrading
- Implementing an online payment system or booking system
Purchase of software relevant to the Internet
- App development (or multi-platform web pages)
- Strategy development for digital marketing
- Putting a digital marketing plan into action
- Establishing and managing an online trading activity requires specific training/skills development.
- Subscriptions to inexpensive online retail platform services (excluding transaction fees), enabling candidates to establish an online retail presence swiftly.
- Purchase of internet advertising (which may only be made in a single payment phase and must exceed 30% of all other allowed Voucher expenditures)
- Purchase of Professional Photography (this expense may only be made in one payment phase and may not account for more than 80% of the total amount of allowed voucher expenditures)
Which Products Cannot Be Purchased With Vouchers?
The following digital products cannot be purchased with vouchers:
- Website creation for brochures.
- Purchasing software unrelated to the internet.
- Non-ecommerce related activities.
How To Apply For The LEO Trading Voucher?
The application process for the Trading Voucher Scheme typically involves the following two basic steps:
- Attend the online scheme voucher webinar.
- Submit the online scheme voucher application form.
Let’s look into the details of both scenarios:
Trading Online Voucher Scheme Information Webinar
Your Local Enterprise Office offers valuable information webinars on the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, designed to help businesses maximise their online potential. These webinars, usually lasting 2-3 hours, provide essential insights into developing a website, expanding your reach through digital marketing, and enhancing your online visibility with social media and SEO strategies.
Led by an independent expert, these sessions offer unbiased guidance, ensuring you have the knowledge to make informed decisions about investing in your business’s digital growth. Whether you’re new to an e-commerce store or looking to upgrade your online presence, attending one of these webinars is crucial in leveraging the funding available to boost your business.
How Do I Sign Up For The Voucher Scheme Information?
To sign up for the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) information webinar, simply visit your Local Enterprise Office’s website. Below is a direct link to your specific LEO. Once on the website, follow these easy steps to register:
- Navigate to “Training and Events.”
- Select the “Trending Online Voucher Webinar” from the list of available sessions.
- Click on “Book Now” to secure the spot.
After completing your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details on how to join the webinar. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into boosting your business online.
What is The Voucher Application And Claim Process?
It has several steps, starting from the application to the claim process. Let’s explore the first step, which is the application:
1. Application
- Read the terms and conditions.
- Register for an information event to participate.
- Participate in the information session.
- Submit a hard copy of the completed application form to your local LEO.
- Submit a soft copy of the completed application form via email to your local LEO.
2. Evaluation
- LEOs will evaluate applications and make recommendations for approval.
- An evaluation team will assess applications and make recommendations.
- Selection will be based on a competitive process.
- Selection criteria include project suitability, value-added potential, export potential, job creation potential, post-COVID-19 impact, and financial sustainability.
- Decisions will be recorded and reported to the Local Enterprise Office approvals committee.
- Applicants must participate in an information session on how to use the voucher effectively.
3. Voucher Administration
- Successful applicants will receive a letter of offer detailing the approved works and amount. You have to forward this amount to your preferred supplier.
- Successful applicants receive a voucher as a letter of offer.
- The letter of offer must be signed, accepted, and returned within 2 weeks.
- Successful applicants have 6 months to complete the work as per their application.
4. Claim
Payment will be made directly to the successful applicant upon receipt of:
- Written correspondence from the web designer with the web address and confirmation of online trading.
- Supplier invoices for approved works.
- Bank statements showing proof of payment to suppliers.
- Evidence of tax compliance.
All work must be completed and paid for before claiming. Payments will only be made for approved expenses listed in the application form. Successful applicants agree to allow their case studies to be used for promotional purposes.
Post Voucher Reporting: What is It?
Post-voucher reporting is essential for businesses that receive the Trading Online Voucher. This reporting helps assess the voucher’s impact on your business, focusing on key areas such as job creation, increased turnover, market expansion, cost reduction, and anticipated further investment.
Why is Post-Voucher Reporting Important?
This reporting helps in:
- Assess the scheme’s effectiveness: The scheme’s organisers can evaluate its impact on the overall economy by gathering data from multiple businesses.
- Identify Success Stories: Sharing your positive experiences can inspire other businesses to participate in the scheme.
- Inform Future Policy Decisions: The data collected through reporting can inform future policy decisions related to business support programs.
How Will Reporting Be Conducted?
Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, or approved independent evaluators can conduct the reporting process. You’ll be asked to provide information at specific intervals, typically starting six months after receiving the voucher and continuing for up to three years.
Supplier Reporting
Your supplier may also be required to report on the impact of their products or services on your business. This information will help assess the voucher’s effectiveness from a supplier perspective.
Can I Apply For A Second Voucher?
Yes, you can apply for the second LEO voucher if you have successfully submitted the final claim of your first voucher. Your second application must be for a distinct project or initiative that aligns with the voucher scheme’s goals, but you should ensure that the minimum time frame has passed since you received your first order.
How Long Will I Have To Wait For My Voucher?
The approval time for the TOV can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications, completeness and accuracy of your application, and complexity of your projects. You can expect to hear back within a few weeks about your application. However, it is always advisable to check with your local LEO for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What Services Social Web Strategy Can Provide For Your Online Business
Social Web Strategy is a digital transformation agency in Ireland with 10+ years of experience dedicated to improving businesses. We are trusted partners who provide strategic assistance, innovative solutions, and unparalleled expertise. Mutual collaboration is the heart of our approved approaches. Therefore, we are the leading marketers in turning your visions into reality. We are your one-stop solution because we offer multiple services under one roof. They are as below:
1. Web360° Virtual Store
Experience the future of online shopping with our Web360° Virtual Store. This immersive platform allows businesses to create a fully interactive, 360-degree virtual environment that mirrors the in-store experience. Customers can explore products in a virtual setting, move through the stores as they would in real life, and even make purchases directly within the store.
The Web360° Virtual Store integrates seamlessly with existing e-commerce platforms and offers advanced features such as interactive hotspots, detailed product views, and virtual customer service assistance. This service particularly benefits retail businesses looking to enhance customer engagement and increase online sales.
2. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Our expert Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) services will begin with a thorough online presence audit, identifying improvement areas and developing customised targeting of high-value keywords relevant to your industry. Our services include on-page, off-page, and technical SEO to improve your site’s authority.
We also offer local SEO to help businesses attract customers in their geographical area, ensuring that your business appears in local search results and on Google Maps. We aim to improve your website’s ranking on search result pages (SERPs), increase organic traffic, and ultimately drive more qualified leads to your business.
3. Blogging & Content Making
We provide state-of-the-art blog writing services, and our team of experienced writers and content strategists work closely with you to understand your brand’s voice, target audience, and business goals. We create various content types, including blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and case studies, that are informative and optimised for search engines.
This ensures that your content resonates with your audience and ranks well on search engine result pages (SERPS). Our content creation process includes in-depth research, keyword integration, and focusing on delivering value to your readers. We deliver high-quality content that helps you build trust with your audience, increase engagement, and drive sustainable growth for your business.
4. Brand Identity
Your brand is more than just a logo; it’s the essence of your business, representing your values, mission, and promise to your customers. Our branding experts work with you to develop a comprehensive brand strategy that includes logo design, colour scheme, typography, and unique selling points (USPs).
From there, we craft a brand identity that reflects your business’s personality and appeals to your audience’s emotions. Whether you’re launching a new brand or rebranding an existing one, our services ensure that every aspect of your brand is consistent and aligned with your business goals.
5. Social Media Management
Our social media management services are designed to help businesses effectively engage with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to their website through strategic social media marketing. We manage your social media accounts across all major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Our services include content creation, scheduling, posting, community management, and engagement. We also provide social media advertising services to help you reach a larger audience and achieve specific marketing objectives. With a focus on data-driven strategies, we monitor and analyse the performance of your social media campaigns, making adjustments as needed to ensure maximum ROI.
6. Chatbot Development
Chatbots are an increasingly popular tool for providing instant customer support, answering frequently asked questions, and guiding users through purchasing. Our team of developers work with you to design and implement custom chatbots that are tailored to your business’s specific needs and goals.
With our chatbots, you can provide 24/7 customer service, automate lead generation, or improve the overall user experience on your websites. We focus on creating chatbots that are not only functional but also user-friendly, with natural language processing (NLP) capabilities that enable them to understand and respond to customer enquiries in a conversational manner.
7. Website Designing
Our team of skilled designers and developers work closely with you to understand your business’s unique needs and goals, ensuring that the final product aligns with your brand identity and objectives. We specialise in creating responsive websites that perform seamlessly across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
Our design process involves a deep understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles, ensuring that your website is intuitive, easy to navigate, and optimised for conversions. Additionally, we prioritise functionality, incorporating features such as e-commerce capabilities, a content management system (CMS), and SEO to enhance your site’s performance and visibility.
Finally
If you need to launch an e-commerce site, upgrade your existing one, or boost your digital presence with SEO, the LEO Grant is your golden ticket here in Ireland. You can expect sustained growth in online visibility, higher conversion rates, and a stronger digital presence that sets you apart from competitors.
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Why not ask for a quote to fulfil all your online business digital needs.
