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The Tánaiste said that this Scheme will help small businesses not eligible for our other schemes with their fixed costs. Both SMEs and our microenterprises, those with fewer than 10 employees, can apply for a grant of €4,000 or €1,000 depending on the size of the business. “We extended the eligibility recently to include those businesses that are operating from non-rateable premises such as a home office or hot-desk".

"Our aim throughout the pandemic, has been to include as many businesses as possible with all the Government funding schemes that are in place. Interested businesses can apply from today through their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or Local Authority and I’d encourage them to do so. I know it’s a modest enough grant but it will make a big difference in helping with utility, IT, legal and accountancy bills and the other fixed costs incurred by a business."

“My message to those running businesses today is that the Government will continue to help you as you get back on your feet. Brighter days are ahead.” The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is for businesses which are not eligible for CRSS or other sector specific grants, that are down 75% or more of turnover. Those who applied under Phase 1 are still eligible to apply for a second payment of €4,000 or €1,000 if they continue to meet the criteria. Interested businesses should contact their Local Authority or LEO. Closing date for Phase 2 applications is the 21 July.

Businesses in receipt of the Employment Wage Subsidy can apply for and receive this grant without it affecting their claim.  It is a grant, not a loan or tax credit and is not re-payable. These schemes are in addition to the comprehensive package the Government has put in place to help businesses and workers during the pandemic, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates.

The Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD said “With the economy now re-opening in clear phases, and the vaccine roll-out comprehensively underway, the SBASC is an important element of the Economic Recovery Plan which sets out our renewed package of assistance, investments, and policies for a new stage of economic recovery, providing a clear pathway for the labour market and enterprise towards new opportunities.

“SBASC will support those small and micro businesses in Ireland who will play a pivotal role in maintaining jobs and creating new opportunities for employment right across the country.  I urge qualifying businesses to apply for this support to help them through the next few months as the economy emerges once again from the impact of the pandemic.”

Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD said “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and their recovery will be central to our jobs-led recovery. As we gradually reopen society, the expansion and streamlining of SBASC for Q2 applications to assist both small and micro enterprises will help address some of their fixed costs as they get back to business. While modest, Government is committed to supporting their long-term viability, particularly as we move into the early stages of recovery.

Through the various policies, financial support schemes available and regulatory responses currently underway we hope to rebuild a better, more resilient economy. Engagement will continue to ensure we are responsive to the needs of business and I encourage small businesses to ensure they are aware of the supports available to them.”