COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) introduced the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail companies to achieve a step change in online capability.

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, launched a new €5.5 million COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme on 20 August 2020 as announced in the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus package. The new fund will be administered by Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and will support retail businesses to enhance their digital capability, drive online sales and grow their customer base.

Targeted at indigenous retailers with a pre-existing online presence, this fund will accelerate their online offerings to respond to both domestic and international consumer demand.

The grant can be used to fund fees for service providers, to develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training, and to enhance the retailer’s website and related systems.

Successful applicants will receive a grant of up to 80% of project costs, with these grants ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €40,000.

The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme opens on Monday, 31 August 2020 and closes at 3pm on Monday, 28 September 2020.

Further information is available from Enterprise Ireland at COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme.