88 Trading Online Vouchers were awarded to businesses across Tipperary in 2021 to the
value of €158,893 to assist them in developing their online presence, Senator Garret Ahearn
has confirmed.
The vouchers were awarded by Tipperary Local Enterprise Office as the digital
transformation journey continues for firms looking to increase sales, reach new markets, and
help create more employment opportunities.
Senator Garret Ahearn said, “I am very grateful of the work carried out by the entire
Tipperary LEO team in 2021 and for helping maintain momentum for many small businesses
looking to trade their goods and services online.
“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and
Employment, offers a 50% co-funded voucher of up to €2,500 to help businesses, which
have been trading for at least six months. This assists them in developing their online trading
capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a
website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.
“Between 1st January 2021 and 31st December 2021, on a national basis, the Trading
Online Voucher Scheme had a total of 4,442 approvals across Ireland to a value in excess of
€9.6 million. This includes 88 trading online vouchers awarded to businesses in Tipperary
with a value of approvals worth €158,893
“This is strong evidence of the success of the scheme and the demand for the vouchers
across the micro-enterprise sector.”
Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, has confirmed he is
satisfied that the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, a demand led support scheme for
businesses, will continue to be a key component in the suite of interventions to assist micro-
enterprises to develop and flourish in the years ahead. Minister English urged local
businesses to engage with their LEO about getting their business online.
The local business community in Tipperary was also offered a vast range of training,
mentoring and financial support opportunities by the LEO which suited their specific
business requirements.
Senator Garret Ahearn confirmed that “In 2021, the Tipperary LEO matched 618 businesses
with expert guidance on their Mentoring Programme. This is a valuable and free service
open to client companies of the local enterprise support agency. The programme is
designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of
experienced business practitioners with small firms who stand to benefit from one-to-one
advice and guidance.”
On the training opportunities provided by the Tipperary LEO, Minister English said, “Last
year, some 1,375 people participated in the wide range of one-day workshops, seminars and
management development programmes. Many of the business owners who participated in
these programmes demonstrated their determination to succeed, their appetite to grow and
ultimately their ambition to create more job opportunities locally.”
Senator Garret Ahearn concluded by saying, “The Tipperary LEO is a very valuable first-stop
shop which provides support and services for those who are looking to start, grow and
develop a business in the county. I would urge early engagement by interested
entrepreneurs to help get their business off the ground with the added value of the Local
Enterprise Office’s knowledge, networks and advice behind their venture.”
