County Carlow Businesses urged to apply for Restart Grants
Up to €10,000 is available for County Carlow SME’s to get them back on their feet.
The Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council , Cllr John Pender, has urged small and micro businesses across County Carlow to apply for the new Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to assist with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
Councillor Pender said the grant will be available to businesses with a turnover of less than €5m and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to June 30, 2020.
He said – “It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening 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.
Cllr. Pender continued: “I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing small businesses in County Carlow during these challenging times. “The Restart Grant is designed to help these businesses get back on their feet. The grant can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, for replenishing stock and for measures needed to ensure employee and customer safety. “Small businesses, whether it be the local hairdresser, café or clothes shop, are absolutely vital to the social fabric of our towns and villages throughout County Carlow.
“In response to the very significant economic challenges posed by Covid-19, the Government has moved swiftly to introduce a range of measures to support enterprises of all sizes. These measures have included supports for wage costs, liquidity supports and the deferral or waiver of payments. The Restart Grant will further help to support activity and employment across County Carlow,”
Speaking about the scheme , Kathleen Holohan , Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said “Applications for the Restart Grant can be made now on http://www.carlow.ie/business-re-start-application-form/ or by going to www.carlow.ie
Timelines for the processing and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial surge of applications but, as far as is feasible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national Roadmap”. Holohan continued to say “the importance of SME’s having the correct information on the application is essential and in order to assist SME’s we will be hosting information sessions on 25th & 26th May 2020 and will schedule more on demand”. Holohan concluded by saying “we are committed to working with the business community in County Carlow in order to support enterprises to survive and sustain”.
