Funding for Website Development – Spend 2780 and get 2500 back…

The Covid 19 Pandemic has been a devastating tragedy for many people throughout the world. And also in Ireland the economy has come to a shuttering standstill. In fairness to the Irish Government, they have put in place some good measures to protect the economy in the long term and when the Covid lockdown is removed things should pick up. One of the measures now in place is a rehashing of the Online Trading voucher scheme.

One of the stumbling blocks with this Website Development Grant was the 50% matching which the applicants had to pay. So, if a website project cost 5K, successful applicants received 2.5K back from their Local Enterprise Office. And the other issue, is that the 5K had to be paid, in most cases inclusive of VAT before the 2.5K can be drawn down. Which isn’t always easy for small business owners.

But there is some good news for all companies looking to redevelop their website, the same 2500 euro funding is available but you only need to spend 280 euro. Yes, just 280. As I said to one Digital Sales client, ‘its a no-brainer’!

The drawback is that you have to spend the 2780, before the 2500 funding is returned into your account. And there is the usual paperwork, which can be somewhat painful at times!

I’m sure you have some questions regarding the Website Development Funding?

So, we have composed a simple Q&A for this particular grant.

If you have applied for the Online Trading Voucher before, can you apply again?

YES.

What criteria applies?

Its geared towards small businesses, so, you should have less than 10 Staff, less than a two million turnover. But if you have a few part time staff taking you over the ten staff and/or you are over the 2 million mark, don’t worry, just apply, they are fairly flexible.

Do I have to be a registered company?

No, if your organisation is a registered name, that’s good enough. But it has to be registered for 6 months when the application is made.

What about VAT?

You will have to pay the VAT charged by website developers or digital marketing agency. If you are not VAT registered, you will not be able to reclaim the VAT charged. So, its best to be VAT Registered. If you are not VAT registered, its best you seek out a web design company which is not VAT registered. They will issue invoices without VAT.

How long is this voucher be available for?

From April 7th 2020 to September 30th 2020

How long do I have to draw the funding down?

You have 9 months to complete the work and drawn down the grant. Which means you can spread your payments to your provider over a decent period of time.

What can you use the grant for?

IT consultation;
Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website;
Implementing online payments or booking systems;
Purchase of Internet related software;
Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages);
Development of a digital marketing strategy;
Implementing a digital marketing strategy;
Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage on-line trading activity;
Subscriptions (excluding transaction costs) to low cost online retail platform solutions, such as Amazon, Etsy, Shopify etc. which would allow applicants to quickly establish a retailing presence online.
Purchase of online advertising (this purchase cannot make up any more than 30% of approved Voucher costs and can only be drawn down in one payment phase);
Professional photography costs (this purchase cannot make up any more than 80% of other (excluding photography costs) approved voucher.

What do I need in order to draw down the grant?

A signed declaration from Digital Sales (your project provider or providers!) stating the work is completed, see a sample declaration form here which you can use. Proof that payments have left your bank account and invoices. A statement from you stating the work is completed and proof that your company is registered for more than 6 months, a company number usually suffices.

How many quotes do I need?

You need three and email quotations are accepted.

Our Advice on how to use the website development funding?

Don’t waste this opportunity on Paid Ads or eCommerce CRM’s which charge a monthly fee. Think long term – focus this great opportunity on Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation, that’s if you have a website already. If you don’t have a website, use this grant ASAP and also utility the Trading Online Grant application.

If you need assistance with your application, get in touch with the team, we have delivered successful Website Development and Digital Marketing Funding application throughout Ireland. Here is a link to number of Grant customers.

Here is a link to the Trading Online Voucher Application Form – April to the 30th of September 2020

And here is a list of most of the Local Enterprise Offices throughout Ireland, direct links to the Website Development Funding and Grant pages – give them a call, you may have to register for a quick online course, to apply.

Carlow:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Cavan:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Cavan/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Clare:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Clare/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Cork – North West:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkNorthandWest/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Cork – City:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkCity/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Cork – South Cork:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/SouthCork/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/