The battle to get Irish small businesses online is continuing with a new pilot project aiming to turn a range of small businesses into export-focused ecommerce retailers.

The Clicktail project is a initiative between the National Digital Research Centre and the Irish Internet Association. The free programme takes 20 small Irish firm and gives them the help to start their online retail business, bringing new export business and jobs as a result.

The project sought entries through an open call, and promoted the initiative through local enterprise centres and the Crafts Council of Ireland. The end result is a mix of businesses that covers everything from jewellery makers to bridal shops.

The five-week programme will culminate in the launch of the ecommerce sites in early June.

About 50 per cent of the participants had no internet presence before taking part in the programme.