Enabling businesses to embrace digital was the key message from Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD during his visit to the National Ploughing Championships.
Minister Calleary highlighted how the new €5,000 Grow Digital Voucher is helping small businesses digitise by availing of solutions such as payroll, customer insights and cyber security.
Minister Calleary said:
“This voucher will help businesses invest in digital offerings for their operational needs, such as software tools to offer online booking, AI to streamline stock control and of course cybersecurity support, all designed to modernise operations and boost efficiency. Available throughout the country’s Local Enterprise Offices, the new Grow Digital Voucher will help small businesses reap the benefits of digital and stay competitive.”
Available to businesses with up to 50 employees, the new Grow Digital Voucher replaces the previous Trading Online Voucher with enhanced support on offer through the funding of a wider range of digital solutions with all businesses eligible, irrespective of export status.
The voucher is also a key feature of the new Grow Digital Portal. Developed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the portal is a free service enabling businesses to self-assess their digital capability with a personalised scorecard and recommendations aimed at driving efficiencies. The Grow Digital Voucher can be used to help businesses act on these recommendations.
Several case studies demonstrating how different businesses benefited by embracing digital solutions are included in the Grow Digital Portal together with further information on the various Government supports, such as from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through its agencies Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and IDA Ireland as well as Údarás na Gaeltachta, including additional training and funding options.
Minister Calleary went on to say:
“The Grow Digital portal is a free digital toolkit designed to support businesses in embracing the opportunities offered by digital technologies. Businesses can do a 5-minute assessment to find out how digitally ready they are, plan their next steps, and access valuable resources and support. They can also read about other business’ digital success stories from across Ireland. This drive is part of Government’s wider commitment to support business under the SME Package.”
Find out more by visiting www.growdigital.gov.ie