Trading Online Voucher

What is the Trading Online Voucher?

The Trading Online Voucher (TOV) is a government-backed grant program administered by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) throughout Ireland. The initiative supports small businesses in developing their digital capabilities and online presence.

Program Objective: To help micro-enterprises and small businesses adapt to the digital marketplace by providing financial assistance for online development projects.

Grant Value and Coverage

• Grant Amount: €2,500
• Co-funding Required: Yes (typically 50% business contribution)
• Eligible Expenses covered: Website development, e-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools, online booking systems, SEO services, digital strategy consulting

Strategyworks Consulting has been helping clients in ultizing these funds for creative a professional website, Online appointment, Complete On page & off page SEO. 

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Grant Details and Eligibility

Core Eligibility Requirements

Business Criteria:

• Trading for minimum 6 months
• Fewer than 10 employees
• Physical business location in Ireland
• Registered with Revenue Commissioners
• Demonstrate potential for online trading growth

Business Types Typically Supported:

• Retail businesses
• Service providers
• Local enterprises
• Tourism and hospitality
• Creative industries
• Professional services

What the Grant Covers

The TOV can fund various digital initiatives:

Website Development

• Professional website design
• Content management systems
• Mobile-responsive design
• Basic SEO implementation

E-commerce Solutions

• Online shopping platforms
• Payment gateway integration
• Inventory management systems
• Customer account portals

Digital Marketing Tools

• Social media integration
• Email marketing systems
• Online advertising setup
• Analytics and tracking tools

Additional Digital Services

• Online booking systems
• Digital strategy consulting
• Staff digital skills training
• Domain and hosting setup

Application Process

Phase 1: Preparation (2-4 weeks)

Step 1: Initial Research

• Identify your Local Enterprise Office
• Review specific regional requirements
• Gather required business documentation

Required Documentation:

• Business registration certificate
• Revenue registration details
• Financial statements (last 6-12 months)
• Proof of trading period
• Current insurance certificates

Step 2: Digital Strategy Development

• Define online business objectives
• Identify target audience
• Outline proposed digital project
• Estimate total project costs
• Plan implementation timeline

Phase 2: Application Submission (1-2 weeks)

Step 3: LEO Consultation

• Schedule initial meeting with LEO advisor
• Discuss digital development plans
• Receive guidance on application requirements
• Refine project proposal

Step 4: Formal Application

• Complete official TOV application form
• Submit all supporting documentation
• Provide detailed project description
• Include cost estimates and quotes

Phase 3: Review and Approval (3-6 weeks)

Step 5: Application Review

• LEO assessment of application
• Possible follow-up consultations
• Business case evaluation
• Technical review of proposed project

Step 6: Decision and Implementation

• Approval notification
• Agreement signing
• Supplier/contractor selection
• Project implementation begins

Phase 4: Engaging with us to start the development

• Meeting with the founder to understand the business
• Do the buyer persona study for the business
• Reasearch about Domain name & hosting services provider & purchases
• Website layout and Blueprint development
• Website Designing & deployment
• And followed by other Activities, like SEO, Ads, Social media etc..

Regional Variations

Dublin Region

• Higher competition for funding
• Additional focus on innovation
• Possible priority for export-oriented businesses

Cork Region

• Strong support for tourism-related businesses
• Emphasis on local market development
• Additional mentoring programs available

Rural Areas

• Priority support for local service providers
• Focus on community-based businesses
• Additional consideration for unique local needs

Border Counties

• Cross-border trade considerations
• Additional support for export development
• Possible higher grant approval rates

Note: Specific requirements may vary by LEO. Always consult your local office for current guidelines.

Timeline and Expectations

Typical Application Timeline

Phase	Duration	Key Activities
Preparation	2-4 weeks	Documentation, strategy development
Application	1-2 weeks	Form completion, submission
Review	3-6 weeks	LEO assessment, possible interviews
Implementation	3-6 months	Project development, completion
Reporting	Ongoing	Progress updates, final reporting

Success Factors

Strong Applications Typically Include:

• Clear digital business strategy
• Realistic project timeline
• Professional cost estimates
• Demonstrated market research
• Evidence of business viability

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Incomplete documentation
• Unrealistic project scope
• Insufficient business planning
• Poor financial projections
• Lack of clear online strategy

Success Stories

Case Study 1: Local Retailer

Business: Traditional clothing store, Cork

Challenge: Declining foot traffic, competition from online retailers

Solution: E-commerce website with inventory management

Outcome: 40% increase in sales within 12 months, expanded customer base beyond local area

Grant Impact: €2,500 TOV + €3,000 business investment = €5,500 total project cost

Case Study 2: Service Provider

Business: Accounting firm, Galway

Challenge: Manual appointment scheduling, limited client communication

Solution: Professional website with online booking and client portal

Outcome: 60% reduction in administrative time, 25% increase in new clients

Grant Impact: Streamlined operations, improved professional image

Case Study 3: Tourism Business

Business: Bed & Breakfast, Kerry

Challenge: Dependence on third-party booking platforms

Solution: Direct booking website with payment processing

Outcome: 50% increase in direct bookings, reduced commission fees

Grant Impact: Enhanced profitability and customer relationships

Official Resources

Government Sources

• Enterprise Ireland: www.enterprise-ireland.com
• Local Enterprise Office Directory: www.localenterprise.ie
• Citizens Information: www.citizensinformation.ie

Important Disclaimers

Grant Availability: Funding is subject to annual budget allocation and may be limited. Applications are assessed competitively.

Requirements May Change: Eligibility criteria and application processes may be updated. Always verify current requirements with your local LEO.

Professional Advice: This guide provides general information only. Seek professional advice for specific business circumstances.

Government Policy: Grant programs are subject to government policy changes and EU state aid regulations.

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Author Information

This guide has been compiled from official government sources, LEO publications, and publicly available case studies. For the most current information, always consult official government websites and your local LEO advisor.

Sources Consulted:

• Enterprise Ireland official publications
• Local Enterprise Office guidelines
• Citizens Information Service
• Government business support websites

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Disclaimer: This content is informational only and does not constitute professional business advice. Always verify current requirements with official sources before applying.