Co Kildare small business owners being urged not to miss on thousands of euros for grant to update websites

Small businesses in Co Kildare are missing out in an opportunity to get thousands of euros in funding to update their websites, according to a local TD.

People in the county are now being urged to contact their Local Enterprise Office in a bid to avail of approximately €2,500 in funding.

Kildare North TD James Lawless has said that the Government must examine possibilities to expand the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. The scheme was put in place to support small and local businesses in getting a foothold in the online marketplace. The vouchers are available from local enterprise offices.

Deputy Lawless is urging small business owners in Co Kildare following new information revealing  that just over 1,100 vouchers were availed of in both 2015 and 2016. €3million has been allocated to the scheme for 2017.

Deputy Lawless said: “Nearly 70% of Ireland’s online consumer spending currently goes overseas according to the European Commission. The online marketplace is expected to grow significantly in the years ahead so there is a need to ensure that Irish businesses have a presence online to take advantage of this."

He said:“Greater supports are urgently needed to assist businesses in securing a high profile presence online. This can be achieved by expanding the Trading Online Voucher Scheme in order to give Irish businesses in all regions increased market share as online consumption grows. This is now more important than ever with Brexit on the horizon."

Deputy Lawless said:“High speed broadband is a must for small businesses to compete in e-commerce. It connects small businesses to a global market so they need to be able to utilise the latest digital technologies to enable their enterprises to grow and prosper."