290. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocation to the digital trading vouchers provided by local enterprise offices, LEOs, in each of the years 2016 to 2018; the 2019 allocation; the amount expended in each such year; and the number of digital trading vouchers provided by LEOs in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by county in tabular form. [16039/19]

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the first-stop-shop for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for those starting or growing their business. The LEOs can offer financial assistance to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. The LEOs also offer soft supports in the form of training and mentoring, and a signposting service to other relevant state supports.

Micro-enterprises may also avail of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) from the LEOs. The Scheme offers the opportunity for businesses to develop their website or digital marketing strategy by availing of vouchers of up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure.  The Trading Online Voucher Scheme was established under the 2013 National Digital Strategy and represents an example of effective partnership between the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the LEO Network.

The tables below set out information regarding the amount expended in 2016-2018 and the number of digital trading vouchers provided by LEOs in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by county in tabular form.

While the LEO Network operates the scheme, it does so on behalf of DCCAE.  Funding for the scheme is provided by the Government through DCCAE.

TOV Expenditure by LEO’s in each of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018

Approved TOVS 2016 - Qrt.1 2019