Trading online vouchers worth €336,318 issued to Mayo businesses
A total of 161 trading online vouchers were awarded to businesses across Mayo in 2021 to the value of €336,318 to assist them in developing their online presence, Deputy Alan Dillon has confirmed.
The vouchers were awarded by the Mayo Local Enterprise Office as the digital transformation journey continues for firms looking to increase sales, reach new markets, and help create more employment opportunities.
Deputy Dillon said: “I am very grateful of the work carried out by the entire Mayo 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.
Deputy Dillon commented: “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 161 trading online vouchers awarded to businesses in Mayo with a value of approvals worth €336,318.
“This is strong evidence of the success of the scheme and the demand for the vouchers across the micro-enterprise sector.”
The local business community in Mayo was also offered a vast range of training, mentoring and financial support opportunities by the LEO which suited their specific business requirements.
Deputy Dillon added: “In 2021, the Mayo LEO matched 367 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.”
Last year, some 877 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.”
Deputy Dillon concluded: “The Mayo 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.”