“We welcome this afternoon’s announcement by the Government to expand the Online Trading Voucher Scheme to €20m, expand the funding call of the Online Retail Scheme of €5.5m and a €10m investment in the Town and Village Scheme as part of the July Stimulus Package.
“The provision of almost €26 million for SMEs and retailers to develop an e-commerce presence will unlock a whole new area of growth and opportunity for these SMEs who may not have previously sold online, and who may have been closed for up to four months due to Covid-19.
“Our recent SME Digital Health Index research shows that 73% of SMEs say their website is important in driving future sales growth. In the challenging period ahead, this funding will help to keep many clothing businesses in operation by upgrading to e-commerce to make up for reduced footfall in store.
“We also welcome the additional €10m investment in the Towns and Villages Scheme, which will go some way to rejuvenating the rural communities most affected by Covid-19 restrictions. This funding could be used to drive significant digital development – our research shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of people don’t believe that their local main street is equipped for the digital age, and two in 10 said their local internet infrastructure is too poor to facilitate online business.
“Over the last number of months hundreds of thousands of people have realised the possibility of remote working from all corners of the country. The creation of digital hubs with high speed broadband in rural towns and villages would act as magnets for investment, and will serve to benefit the businesses, citizens and community groups that surround them. Digital Towns like Gorey, Co. Wexford and Sligo town have both demonstrated how digital infrastructure and tools can have a tangible impact on all facets of town life, providing a welcome boost after months of uncertainty.
“We encourage all businesses to make full use of the full range of supports available to them through the Government as part of this package, as well as the financial and technical supports available through the Local Enterprise Offices and Chambers of Commerce at this time.”
