From today (Tuesday) Kerry businesses can apply for funding to upgrade their websites and improve their digital competitiveness. Under a new €5m Online Retail Scheme retailers with a physical store and a pre-existing online presence can apply for grant funding of up to €40,000 to achieve business continuity, and to lay foundations for future recovery and growth.

The grant can be used to pay for fees for service providers to develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training and to enhance the retailer’s website and related systems.

“In Kerry, we are lucky to have some of the world’s best local producers and entrepreneurs and I want to encourage retailers in Kerry who are in need of a digital uplift to avail of this funding," Minister Foley, welcoming the announcement, said.

"This scheme will provide vital supports to shops and business owners who are keen to establish a digital foothold and a competitive online presence as we recover from the economic constraints of COVID-19.”

The Scheme will be administered by Enterprise Ireland and is targeted at Irish-based retailers with a physical store and a pre-existing online presence. The grant can be used to fund fees for service providers to develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training, and to enhance the retailer’s website and related systems. Successful applicants will receive a grant ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €40,000 - covering up to 80% of project costs, Deputy Brendan Griffin TD explained.

“The Online Retail Scheme has really assisted businesses right around the country," he said. "Enterprise Ireland have confirmed more than two thirds of grants going to companies outside Dublin. Irish retailers are keenly aware of the opportunities that exist in the online space with many specifically targeting the Eurozone post-Brexit and taking advantage of the potential that lies in a global customer base.

“Kerry businesses that had 10 or more employees on or before February 29, 2020 (or have grown to this level since then) should apply for the fund. Enterprise Ireland has published a number of helpful resources online and have a dedicated retail team who can answer any other questions you have around the application process.”

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, May 25. For further information on how to apply visit www.enterprise-ireland.com.