Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
52. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Cork enterprises that have applied to the small business assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30060/21]
View answerThe total number of Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) applications for Cork are broken down between the two Local Authorities for Cork.
The total number of applications received for the SBASC grant for Cork City is 297. Of that figure 163 have been approved for payment. 134 applications have been refused.
For Cork County the total number of applications received is 291 with 99 applications rejected.
Refusals have occurred due to eligibility requirements such as businesses not meeting the turnover criteria, turnover was not down 75% during the eligibility period, incomplete application form, the business was in receipt of CRSS or they were not in a rateable premises.
As you may be aware I recently announced an expanded SBASC phase 2 scheme which will be open for applications in early June with a closing date of 21st July. Phase 2 has been expanded to include businesses working from a non rateable premises and those whose turnover is below €50,000.
Businesses who are working from non rateable premises and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive a €4,000 grant and businesses whose turnover is below €50,000 and meet all other eligibility criteria will receive €1,000 grant. These businesses have been ineligible for schemes in the past and it is my intention to ensure that these businesses receive some state support during these difficult time. The purpose of these grants are to help meet fixed costs associated with running a business.
Further details of this expanded SBASC scheme will be available shortly on my Department's website and on Local Authority websites who will once again administer the scheme.
