How Can I get grants for e-commerce business?
So, you want to build an E-commerce platform but you are worried about the cost. Did you know that there are grants available that will allow you to cover some of your budgets? You are now wondering what costs you can reclaim? Well, it varies according to the grant you are applying for.
Kamil Kuś · 2019-06-15T10:55:20 · 3 minute read
Grants for e-commerce
So, you want to build an E-commerce platform but you are worried about the cost. Did you know that there are grants for e-commerce available which will allow you to cover some of your budgets? Grants? You are now wondering what costs you can reclaim? Well, it varies according to the grant you are applying for. Consultant fees, staff wages, new equipment and website costs could be partially recovered.
WHAT ARE E-COMMERCE GRANTS?
Grants for e-commerce are set up to help business owners start generating extra income through online solutions and platforms, such as ecommerce stores.
For what grants can you apply for?
Well, Enterprise Ireland a Government body. LEO (Local Enterprise Offices), and IEDR (IE Doman Registration) provide various grants. The grants available vary from €2500 right up to €25000. Of course, you can’t apply for a grant right away, there are certain criteria that must be met. These can include:
- The number of employees that you have.
- You must already be having an online presence.
- You must have a retail outlet.
- If you have already received a grant.
But these will vary according to the grant that you are applying for. You can reclaim up to 50% of certain costs incurred and you won’t receive the money right away. So what costs can you reclaim?Costs that you can reclaim include:
- Staff wages.
- Staff training,
- Consultants fees.
- Web development costs.
Hardware costs that include new or second-hand computers or printers.
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR THE GRANTS?
Enterprise Ireland has 2 grants available.
Online Retail Scheme
The first one you can apply for is the Online Retail Scheme. It opens for applications on Wednesday the 19th of June, and it closes on the 31st of July at 3pm.
EXPLORE RETAIL SCHEME GRANT
Innovation Vouchers
The second one you can apply for is Innovation Vouchers. It opens for applications on Wednesday the 19th of June, and it closes on the end of the year 2019.
EXPLORE INNOVATION VOUCHERS GRANTS
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
Leo has 1 grant available. The Trading Online Voucher Scheme. You can apply for this at any time and there is no closing date.
EXPLORE TRADING ONLINE VOUCHER SCHEME
IEDR (IRISH DOMAIN REGISTRY)
IEDR has the Optimise Programme which gives participants a focused digital health check. Once you have completed the Optimise Programme. You are given fast track
Frequently asked questions
What types of Irish support may help a business develop an online store?
Irish businesses may find relevant digital supports through their Local Enterprise Office or other public schemes, but availability and eligibility change. Check the current scheme guidance, eligible costs, application window and approval requirements directly with the provider before committing to work.
Can an e-commerce grant pay for website development?
Some schemes may contribute towards specified digital or consultancy costs, but the permitted amount and timing depend on the individual programme. Confirm whether design, development, training, equipment or other costs qualify, and do not assume that work started before approval can be claimed.
What information is usually needed for an e-commerce grant application?
Applications commonly ask about the business, project goals, expected benefits, costs, suppliers and eligibility criteria such as location, size or trading status. The exact evidence differs by scheme, so use the current application checklist and keep quotations and project records organised.
Where can an Irish business verify an e-commerce grant’s current rules?
Start with the relevant Local Enterprise Office or official government scheme page rather than an old article or third-party summary. Funding names, limits, dates and eligible costs can change, so confirm the rules in writing with the scheme administrator before planning the project.