Minister Humphrey introduced the new Business Continuity Voucher on the 25th March 2020. This Voucher is available through Local Enterprise Office Wicklow and is open to sole traders and companies across every business sector that employ up to 50 people. The voucher is worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs and can be used by companies and sole traders to develop short-term and long-term strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. The goal is to help business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions should be taken, to protect staff and sales. The Voucher is available to support businesses to:
Develop business continuity plan
Assess current financial needs in the short term to medium term
Reduce variable costs, overheads and expenses,
Review and explore supply chain financing options
Implement remote working processes or procedures
Leverage HR expertise
Leverage ICT expertise
prepare a business case for application to emergency financial interventions available through Banks, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and Micro Finance Ireland.
To apply for the Business Continuity Voucher, companies submit the short application form to Local Enterprise Office Wicklow via email.
Leading Your Business Through Covid- 19
This programme is specifically designed to support owner / managers of SME and Micro Enterprise clients through the current challenges and changes to the business environment. This online programme is interactive and will provide both structure to business owners weeks and help them to quickly assess the situation and move forward with a greater degree of certainty. At times like this we need focus, creativity, resilience, courage and good leadership to navigate these unchartered waters. When: The programme will take place over 5 days, 10th, 14th, 16th, 20th, 21st April from 10am to 12pm on each day. How: The programme will be delivered through the online platform Zoom. Who: This seminar is suitable for owner / managers of business located in County Wicklow. Trainers: The Entrepreneurs Academy
Cash Management in a Crisis
This is a programme focussing on cash management as an imperative during this challenging time for business owners. LEO Wicklow is specifically running this programme to help SMEs respond quickly to financial pressures as it is vital to ensure you act now. When: It will take place over 5 days, 6th April – 10 April from 2pm to 4pm on each day. Trainers: Optimum Training are facilitating this programme and the one to one mentor session How: The programme will be delivered through the online platform Zoom. Who: This seminar is suitable for owner / managers of business located in County Wicklow. To book:www.localenterprise.ie/wicklow Limited places available, bookings on a first come first served basis
Trading Online Voucher Seminar - ONLINE
Businesses under pressure from the COVID-19 crisis should make sure that they have a good website, their SEO optimised and an online payment facility in place.
The Trading Online Voucher is a grant of up to €2,500 to help with this. Full information on the scheme is here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wicklow/Financial-Supports/Trading-Online-Vouchers/
Before you can apply you will need to attend an online version of the Trading Online Voucher Seminar, facilitated by online trading guru Noel Davidson of the Entrepreneurs Academy. When: Tuesday 7th April, from 10am Trainer: Noel Davidson, The Entrepreneurs Academy How: The programme will be delivered through the online platform Zoom. Who: This seminar is suitable for owner / managers of business located in County Wicklow.
Microfinance Ireland is offering the COVID-19 Business Loan of up to €50,000. This Loan is a government initiative to support small businesses through the current period of uncertainty and protect job creation or sustainment in Ireland. The COVID 19 loan allows for a six-month interest free and repayment free moratorium and alcohol production are eligible to apply for COVID-19 loan. If you need additional support in completing a loan application please email enterprise@leo.wicklowcoco.ie and we will arrange a call from a Business Advisor. If you already have an existing MFI loan you are also entitled to the six-month moratorium. To avail of this please email MFI directly at info@microfinanceireland.ie .