Imelda Munster
Ceist:438. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to reinstate the continuity vouchers scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11279/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 June 2020
Ceisteanna (438)
Freagraí scríofa
The Business Continuity Voucher scheme was launched on 26th March. The purpose of the scheme was to provide expert guidance and advice to SMEs employing up 50 people and enable business owners make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions could be taken at the outset of this crisis, to protect staff and sales and eventually help the business recover.
The scheme was a resounding success in terms of uptake due to it being an appropriate response and support to recognised business needs for that point in time. The Business Continuity Voucher provided up to €2,500 in consultancy costs, to develop short and long-term strategies to respond to the initial pandemic and to plan for the eventual recovery and reopening of the economy.
As the reopening of the economy proceeds, more and more businesses are transitioning from the planning to the implementation phase as we progress through the remaining stages of the Government Roadmap. It is in this context that the Business Continuity Voucher was phased out and is now closed to new applicants. In recognition of this new stage, the new €250m Restart Grant was introduced to assist micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
The LEOs will continue to work with existing applicants and recipients of Business Continuity Voucher vouchers and their subsequent business continuity plans. The awarding of vouchers under the Business Continuity Voucher scheme will naturally taper off in the coming weeks as the Local Enterprise Offices process the outstanding applications.
The Restart Grant is available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m employing up to 50 people, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% projected reduction in turnover to the end of June 2020. The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, or a minimum grant of €2,000, with a maximum grant of €10,000. The Online application forms can be accessed at the following website: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Take-up-of-DBEI-COVID-19-Business-Supports.html.