Written answers
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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605. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of businesses which availed of the trading online voucher scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the budget allocation for this scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37221/18]
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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My Department's Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to support micro businesses (10 or less employees and less than €2 million turnover per annum) to develop their trading online capability. The scheme offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 along with training, mentoring and network support. This is a demand-led scheme, which is funded by my Department, and delivered in every county by the Local Enterprise Office.
The scheme targets a broad range of businesses including retail, food, professional services, arts and crafts, and manufacturing. Over 4,600 businesses have successfully applied for a voucher since the scheme launched in 2014 and over 11,500 businesses have benefitted through participation in training sessions delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices under the scheme. Businesses, both urban and rural, who participate grow their sales on average by 21%, increase employment by 35% and 3 out of 5 begin exporting for the first time.
The following table gives a breakdown of the number of applications approved under the scheme from 2015 to 2017 and to end June in 2018 which is the most recent data available, the budget allocation for each of those years and the number of businesses who received training under the scheme.
| Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget allocation | €3m | €3m | €3m | €3m |
| No. of businesses that availed of a Trading Online Voucher | 1,186 | 1,154 | 1,196 | 537 (to end June) |
| No. of businesses that received training | 3,918 (2014 & 2015) | 3,293 | 2,882 | 1,521 (to end June) |
My aim is to help even more businesses to trade online. My Department is currently scoping initiatives to build on the success of the scheme, including the development of a website with online application facilities and training material and information making it easier for more businesses to apply for the scheme and to receive relevant training and experienced advice to develop their online trading capacity.
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