Fighting back: Well-known Kilkenny businesses benefit from new digital funding

Two county Kilkenny retailers have been awarded funding to strengthen their online visibility and offerings, which enables them to reach a wider customer base.

Petmania Ltd and Archers Street Investment Ltd and both were approved for funding through the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland. 

The funding is part of phase one of the scheme, which will see the successful applicants receive funding ranging from €16,000 to €40,000 to assist their business. The average grant value is €35,500.

The second phase of the €6.5 million scheme will be announced by Enterprise Ireland in the coming weeks and is set to benefit more than 180 businesses.

Local Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan said he ie “delighted” Kilkenny businesses are among the first to benefit from the scheme.

“There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult for businesses in Kilkenny,” Deputy Phelan said, “but they have stepped up to the plate in coming up with dynamic and innovative ways of trading while adhering to public health protocols.

 “This particular scheme was introduced back in April to assist indigenous Irish retailers to better establish themselves online – which was essential to get them through the crisis and will be even more important in helping them to trade going forward.

“I welcome funding for the two retailers in Kilkenny, so that they can be more competitive, sustain jobs in Kilkenny and subsequently scale their businesses in international markets,” Deputy Phelan added.