New digital funding to boost small businesses across Kilkenny: Minister
SMALL businesses across Kilkenny city and county can apply for funding to boost their online capabilities as part of a new scheme announced today.
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment backed Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) will support small and micro businesses throughout the county who want to develop their e-commerce capabilities through the provision of training, advice and grant assistance of up to €2,500.
Announcing the funding, Minister and Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan said: “The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is essential to helping small business across Kilkenny adapt to the changes and increase further productive growth and job creation. In 2018, the government supported 39 local businesses here in Kilkenny with funding as part of the Scheme.
“Fine Gael in government will continue developing commerce and job creation, both nationally and regionally.”
Communications Minister Richard Bruton added: “There is a digital revolution taking place which is transforming how businesses are interacting with their customers. We must support small businesses in keeping pace with this rapidly changing environment.
“Irish consumers spent approximately €7.8bn online in 2018, with this figure expected to exceed €10bn by 2020. It is of critical importance that small Irish businesses are well positioned to take a share of this market.
“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme provides much needed support in this regard and I am delighted that at least 3,000 small businesses will avail of it in 2019.”
Since launching in 2014, over 5,000 businesses have been granted funding and 12,000 supported with training through the scheme.
