Ten Galway businesses have been awarded grant funding to help them boost their online presence.
The government has approved €2.3 million in funding for 98 retailers around the country under the Online Retail Scheme, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland.
In Galway successful retailers include Born Clothing, Cunniffe Electric, Healthplus Ltd (Walsh’s Pharmacy), Hanley & Co menswear, Kenny’s Bookshop & Art Galleries, Maddens of Lerhin hardware, Beattys of Loughrea hardware, Nioclas O Conchubhair Teo hardware, Standun menswears, and Fallers Jewellers.
The Scheme was open to retailers who already have an online presence and a physical store, to help enhance their online capability and attract new customers.
The businesses will receive grants ranging from a minimum of €10,000 to a maximum of €25,000.
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Neale Richmond said, “Retailers are at the heart of our communities across the country and the Government is delighted to support them in their transition to online retail.”
“An online presence allows retailers to improve their service for existing customers, attract new customers at home and abroad, as well as future-proof their operations. Moving online is a complement, rather than a replacement to physical stores.”
“Through the Online Retail Scheme, we are enabling established retailers with a store to expand their market presence beyond their community, and even the country, with an increased online presence.
The Minister also celebrated the fact that 79% of the successful applicants were located outside of Dublin.
“It is great to see a geographical spread of successful retail companies from around the country under this round of the Scheme.”
To date, the Online Retail Scheme has supported more than 850 projects around the country.
Teri Smith of Enterprise Ireland said, “Innovative Irish retailers are increasingly looking for ways to adapt their traditional retail model to reflect the growing demand for online shopping from consumers and this latest funding round will help 98 retailers in that ambition.”
“In this funding call we specifically sought applications from businesses which hadn’t previously benefitted from the Scheme, and we’re delighted that a large number of first-time applicants engaged with the Scheme this year.”
