Businesses urged to develop online

BUSINESSES in Kerry have been urged to develop their online presence to grow and develop their business with new funding announced by the Government this week.

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton; and Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development Sean Canney have announced funding to support a further 1,000 small and micro businesses with funding and a further 2,000 with training to develop their online capabilities in 2019 under the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.

The Scheme supports small and micro businesses in developing their e-commerce capabilities through the provision of training, advice and grant assistance of up to €2,500.

Since launching in 2014, over 5,000 businesses have been granted funding, with 12,000 supported with training through the scheme.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said having a good online presence can be very valuable for companies.

“If a retailer is trying to sell goods further afield, it is important that they have a good website to display their products. I would encourage businesses to apply for funding as part of this initiative,” she said.

“The retail sector is vital to the Irish economy, and it is great to see initiatives such as this being made available to encourage companies to grow and develop,” said Ms Clune.

“As of December 3, Europeans have been able to shop online without unjustified geo-blocking wherever they are in the EU. Citizens will be able to compare parcel delivery costs more easily and benefit from more affordable prices for cross-border parcel delivery,” said Ms Clune