Digital for Business - Using Digital Vouchers to assist SME's to build a pathway for Support

By project InnoCom

Published on 27 February 2024

Ireland

About this good practice

Small businesses need to maximise every advantage - and implementing a digital strategy can give businesses a real edge. Digital for Business is designed to give Local Enterprise Office funded clients that digital edge - from optimising processes to delivering a seamless digital customer experience, the aim is to help businesses prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across the business.
Digital for Business provides support to obtain digital strategy, technical and/or advisory services for eligible businesses. Our expert digital consultants help to develop a unique digital strategy that transforms businesses by identifying where they are on their digital business journey, developing a digital adaptation plan based on their identified needs and assisting them to implement their digital plan. It priorities areas like business process optimisation, enhancing the digital customer experience or utilising data better.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply to the Local Enterprise Office for participation on the programme. Businesses who are accepted are matched with a consultant who will support the business to develop a digital roadmap to transform their business processes or client offerings. Following completion of the assignment, the participant business has the option of applying to the Local Enterprise Office for financial aid to assist with the costs of implementing the digital strategy.

Resources needed

The programme is managed by a staff member of the Local Enterprise Office.
Each business approved for support receives a voucher valued at €3,600, to cover costs of digital consultancy services

Evidence of success

This good practice encourages and supports the adoption of digital strategies in micro-enterprises to allow them face the challenges of the 21st century. Each project includes a report written by the delivering consultant outlining the digital history of the business and the proposed digital solutions to current challenges. This report is then used by the LEO to develop a framework for implementation with the client, often involving the provision of financial support.

Potential for learning or transfer

The digital transition is an issue determining the rate of business growth across Europe. Micro-enterprises have been particularly slow to embrace digitalisation. The European Investment Bank has found that only 30% of micro-enterprises in Europe prioritise digitalisation compared to 62% of large firms.

The Digital for Business programme is an example of good practice which addresses the challenges of digitalisation in micro-enterprises in a manner which could be adopted and replicated across Europe. Digital for Business has provided micro-enterprises in Carlow with access to expertise which has assisted them to develop benchmarks measuring their current levels of digital engagement, identify opportunities which could arise through effective digitalisation and develop a strategy to implement interventions to open themselves to these opportunities. This model could be adopted by agencies providing supports to micro-enterprises in any country in Europe.