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Online applications can now be made to Cork County Council for the Restart Grant for small businesses. As part of the Governments package of supports, this €250m fund will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures.
Between €2,000 and €10,000 of direct aid is available to businesses based on commercial rates bill from 2019.
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. It is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Ian Doyle commenting on the Restart Grant spoke of the importance of supporting local businesses: “Your local café, hairdresser, boutique or home store create that wonderful atmosphere that we have across Cork County. These small but very important businesses have had to close their doors for the last number of weeks but now we want to help them to reopen.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey also highlighted how the Restart Grant will assist small businesses get back on their feet: “Cork County has a wide range of businesses which are at the very heart of our communities. Cork County Council is investing in communities and our businesses, we can plan with a degree of confidence. As part of Project ACT, we are Activating County Towns and the Restart Fund will offer another level of support to businesses at a time when they most need it.”
Mayor Doyle went on to say: “Cork County Council has established 23 Town Teams under Project ACT which will deliver individual plans and ensure, at the most local level, that we reopen and support our local economy. The Restart Grant is a very welcome addition to facilitate businesses in opening their doors as part of our national phased roadmap.”
Applications for the Restart Grant can be made online at https://www.yourcouncil.ie/service/COVID19_Business_Restart_Fund
Cork County Council has established a dedicated helpline on 021 4208000 and email at [email protected].
Processing of applications and payment of the Restart Grant will depend on the initial volume of applications but, as far as possible, will be prioritised according to scheduled re-opening dates in the national roadmap.
The Restart Grant is part of the wider €12 billion package of supports for businesses of all sizes, which includes grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst SMEs.
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