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COVID-19

Navigating your business through COVID-19

Bernard Doherty Bernard Doherty

Availing of a Business Continuity Voucher from your Local Enterprise Office

On 26 March 2020, the introduction of an additional support to businesses in the form of a Business Continuity Voucher was announced. The key features of this new Business Continuity Voucher are outlined below.

Who does the Business Continuity Voucher apply to?

The Business Continuity Voucher is obtainable through Local Enterprise Offices and is available to Irish-owned enterprises (sole traders and companies) across every business sector that employ up to 50 people.

What is the value of the voucher?

The voucher is worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs.

What is the purpose of the voucher?

The purpose of the voucher is to provide contingency planning advice to assist enterprises to continue trading through the crisis. Depending on the nature of the business and its acute needs, the Business Continuity Voucher is available to:

  • Develop a 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 ; and 
  • Prepare a business case for application to emergency financial interventions available through Banks, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland and Microfinance Ireland.

How can a business apply?

Forms are available to download from LocalEnterprise.ie/Response and by selecting “Business Continuity Voucher” once prompted.

Companies and sole traders will need to complete this short application form and submit it directly to their Local Enterprise Office by e-mail.  Every Local Enterprise Office has its own e-mail address and these addresses can be accessed here 

What happens then?

If the application is successful, a qualified expert will be selected by the relevant Local Enterprise Office to work with the business on its continuity plans. The expert will be selected from existing Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland panels.

Is the scheme unsuitable for any business?

Clients of Enterprise Ireland, IDA or Údarás na Gaeltachta should contact their relevant agency, which have other appropriate supports in place. Applicants are restricted ordinarily to one voucher per business.