€1 million in free advertising is being provided for small businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, by dmg media Ireland across its media brands.
Through this support fund, 200 small businesses will be given a tailored advertising package worth €5,000 each.
The ads will run across dmg media Ireland's titles including the Irish Daily Mail, the Irish Mail on Sunday, Extra.ie, EVOKE, RollerCoaster.ie and MailOnline and will reach a minimum of 500,000 people.
The aim of the 'Shop Ireland' initiative is to encourage people across the nation to support their local small businesses - those that are still operating and those who are hoping to open safely once restrictions are eased.
The CEO of dmg media Ireland, Paul Henderson, said the free advertising campaign will showcase local small businesses in national newspapers as well as across its digital platforms which reach 3.3 million people every month.
The fund will be open to small businesses on a first come, first served basis, subject to certain criteria.
It is being supported by Ibec’s Small Firms Association, which represents small and family run businesses with less than 50 employees. The SFA assisted dmg media Ireland with deciding on the criteria for the fund and which firms would benefit the most.
Sven Spollen-Behrens, Director SFA said, "As well as being open to businesses that are still operating during the lock-down period, we are also keen that other businesses, such as health and beauty, small hospitality, retailers and gyms, would be able to avail of this "Shop Ireland" support".
"These are the companies that are hurting most right now but when they can open again, they will have this advertising boost across dmg media Ireland platforms," he added.
The CEO of Ibec, Danny McCoy, said the business group fully supports the initiative.
Small businesses who wish to apply for the dmg media 'Shop Ireland' advertising fund can do so via www.dmgmedia.ie/shopireland.
