Government €160m boost to COVID-19 business grants

• new Scheme targets businesses currently ineligible for CRSS and other sector specific grants
• wholesalers, suppliers, caterers and events companies down 75% or more in turnover expected to benefit
• €10m extra for companies developing and making PPE and equipment used in fight against COVID-19

“The government today agreed to do more to help businesses respond to the economic challenges arising from the pandemic with a particular focus on firms that do not qualify for the weekly CRSS grant from the Revenue Commissioners or existing sectoral schemes in areas like the arts, transport and tourism.

“The government has sought to help as many businesses as possible through wage subsidies and the many different grant and loan schemes we have put in place. A new Scheme, the CBAS, will help some businesses that aren’t eligible for existing grants, largely due to the fact that the premises they operate from have not been closed to the public. We estimate that this will help approximately 7,500 businesses. While the grant is modest it will be of substantial assistance to smaller businesses with some of their fixed costs like rent, utilities and security. For example, wholesalers, suppliers, caterers, office-based businesses and events companies down 75% or more in turnover will qualify. We are finalising the details and it will be open for applications shortly.

“We’ve seen huge demand for the Sustaining Enterprise Fund, which is there to support our manufacturers and exporters which have experienced a drop in orders. The Scheme has protected 22,000 jobs all across the country to date and we hope this €90m will secure many more.

“We’re also putting more money into the Life Sciences sector. This will help companies making PPE and other COVID-19 related products to expand thereby increasing supply and reducing our dependence on imports.”

“These additional direct financial supports for qualifying businesses, are a tangible reassurance that Government are engaging, listening and responding to their needs as the pandemic continues to impact on their operations. Businesses want to get back to what they do best – to be in a position to trade unhindered by COVID-19, to be profitable and to expand their operations once again. So, along with the range of measures already in place across Government, we are firmly focused on the post pandemic scenario for the economy, for business and for a jobs led recovery. We will continue to engage with businesses, stakeholders and across Government to support the growth and development of ambitious firms who are determined to grow and expand into the future.”