The Coronavirus pandemic arrived at our doors very suddenly and we had very little time to prepare for it. As business owners, we were all scrambling towards saving our businesses before we could even think of anything else. Thankfully, the Irish Government has made funds available to help businesses survive this crisis. Other than the wage subsidy schemes and the unemployment benefits, they have, through the Local Enterprise Offices, launched and amended schemes to help business owners invest in their businesses to try and adapt to the changing times and the business environment. The 2 biggest schemes are the Business Continuity Voucher and an amended Trading Online Voucher Scheme.

The Business Continuity Voucher

This scheme is to help business owners, both sole traders and limited companies, develop short-term and long-term strategies and methodologies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. The goal of these vouchers is to help business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions should be taken, to protect staff and sales. The voucher pays for third-party consultancy costs towards the formulation of the strategies and methodologies.

The voucher has a maximum value of €2,500. Business owners can apply for it by downloading this application form.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme

The Trading Online Voucher used to provide business owners with 50% of the funding to create a website that facilitated the selling of their products and services. The business owners had to match the funding provided with a maximum of €2,500 available from the Local Enterprise Offices. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme has been changes and now businesses owners can claim upto 90% of the cost of development of a website. Additionally, business owners can no avail of a second Trading Online Voucher whereas previously you could only apply for this voucher once. To apply or to check for your eligibility, you can get the details of your LEO here.

How we can help?

At Xava, we are committed to helping our clients, both present and past, through this unprecedented shutdown. Therefore, if you would like to avail of either of these 2 schemes from your LEO, please get in touch with and we will be delighted to work with you on your application and website development.

To get in touch with us, fill out the contact form below: