The government announced the details of the new €250 million Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
The Grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5 million and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020. It is a contribution towards the cost of reopening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.
The grants will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.
To avail of the Restart Grant, a business must be in the Local Authorities Commercial Rates Payment System and:
- have an annual turnover of less than €5 million and employ between 1 to 50 people
- have closed or suffered a projected 25%+ loss in turnover to end June 2020
- commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed
- declare the intention to retaining employees that are on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to reemploy staff on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment where applicable
The grant can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, for replenishing stock and for measures needed to ensure employee and customer safety.
Details on the ReStart Grant , including a FAQ and the online application form can be accessed here.
