Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
14. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available to sole traders affected by Covid-19, in particular those that do not pay rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/20]
View answerThe Restart Grant support is just one part of the wider €12bn package of supports for commercial firms of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help those businesses to continue trading and to maintain employment.
This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time and the measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise. They are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need and are targeted at vulnerable but viable companies.
On 25 June it was announced that the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant will be made available to assist self-employed recipients who are exiting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme with a once-off grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business. A fund of €12m has been allocated for the extension of this grant.
The grant will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants.
Any eligible business, including the self-employed, can apply for the following supports. The most appropriate support will depend on the characteristics of the business.
MicroFinance Ireland can provide loans of up to €50,000 as an immediate measure to specifically deal with exceptional circumstances that micro-enterprises – (any business -Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company with less than 10 full time employees and annual turnover of up to €2m)- are facing.
Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are free of charge and places can be booked online, through your Local Enterprise Office.
For existing companies and potential start-ups that meet eligibility criteria (such as employing 10 or fewer people with the potential for growth and job creation), Local Enterprise Offices can also offer financial supports to help manage current market challenges such as Business Priming Grants, Business Expansion Grants, Feasibility Study Grants and Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant.
All Covid 19 business supports and Schemes are under constant review in terms of the evolving situation and will be adapted as circumstances dictate, including adaptations to the phased opening of our economy. The Government is examining further appropriate supports to assist businesses impacted by Covid-19 as we prepare the forthcoming Recovery Plan and any suggestions the Deputy has in this regard would be most welcome.
Full details on all COVID19 supports for business are available at: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
