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.
“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 online on Friday 22nd May from 1pm and information will be available on 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”.
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For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086-8252037
Editors Notes:
Information Session Details
Restart Grant Information Session
Dates & Times
Session 1: Monday 25th May 2020 @ 1.00pm – 80 Places
Session 2: Monday 25th May 2020 @ 3.00pm – 80 Places
Session 3: Tuesday 26th May 2020 @ 1.00pm – 80 Places
Session 4: Tuesday 26th May 2020 @ 3.00pm – 80 Places
Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office are hosting a series of information sessions for local enterprises wishing to apply for the Re-Start Grant. The session will be delivered by Kieran Comerford , Head of Enterprise who will explain the scheme , go through the application process and will take queries on the scheme.
Micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of COVID-19. Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues. It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers. The Restart Grant is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context.
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.
Re-Start - Frequently Asked Questions
What types of business can apply?
Subject to the qualifying criteria below, any business that has a commercially rateable premises, or where rates are paid on your behalf and attributable to the business premises you occupy, can apply. Multiple chain stores, i.e. a business that is a non-financially independent branch of a group of chain stores which is owned and managed by a single entity, are not eligible. Non-commercial organisations such as community and sporting premises (including charity shops and community and sporting premises with a bar) are not eligible. Businesses that do not operate from commercially rateable premises (tradesmen, service providers, etc) are not eligible. Premises that were vacant prior to the Covid-19 emergency are not eligible for the grant.
How soon will I get my grant?
On average, we hope to issue approval within one week. This depends, of course, on the initial volume of applications. Applications will be processed in relation to anticipated re-opening dates, in line with the Government’s strategy for the re-opening of the economy.
How much will I get?
The grant will be the amount of your rates demand in respect of calendar year 2019 only, subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000. In the event that your rates demand was reduced on appeal, the appeal rate will apply to an amount of the grant if the grant is over €2,000.
If my rates demand for calendar year 2019 was less than €2,000 can I receive a grant of €2,000?
Yes
What can I use the grant for?
The grant is a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers. The grant could be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, e.g. utilities, insurance, refurbishment or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety.
If my premises was not rate assessed in 2019 am I eligible?
- The local authority will endeavour to assess what your rates demand for 2019 would have been and, if, for any reason, an estimate cannot be made the minimum grant of €2,000 will be paid.
If I have not paid my 2019 rates, am I eligible?
Yes
If my rates are in arrears, am I eligible?
Yes
How do I apply?
The application can be made online via your local authority website at www.carlow.ie
How will the grant be paid?
The grant will be paid by electronic transfer to the business account detailed on the application form.
What are the criteria for qualifying for the grant?
A business must have a turnover of less than €5m and have 50 or less employees.
The business must have suffered a projected 25%+ loss in revenue from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020.
The business must commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed. The business must also declare the intention to retain employees that are benefitting from the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
Businesses should retain supporting documentation as spot-checks may be carried out to verify a declaration to this effect.
When is the closing date?
The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 August 2020.
What is my Customer Number?
Your Customer Number is located on your commercial rates demand.
What is my Rate Number?
Your Rate Number (or LAID) is located on your commercial rates demand.
What is my Business Category?
Business Categories, based on the Government’s Roadmap for a phased re-opening of the economy, are as set out below:
Phase 0 | Business never closed. |
Phase 1 (18 May) | Hardware, garden centres, opticians, motor/cycle repairs, office products, electrical, IT equipment, phone sales/repairs, outdoor construction, public amenities. |
Phase 2 | Small retail outlets, marts. |
Phase 3 | Creches for essential workers, retail outlets with street entrance, cafes, and restaurants for on-premises consumption. |
Phase 4 | Creches, ‘high-risk’ services including hairdressers, tourism accommodation. |
Phase 5 | Bars, theatres, cinemas, gyms, shopping centres. |
What is my Revenue Number?
Your revenue number is your Tax Registration Number (TRN) which is a business’ number for all dealings with Revenue.
What is a Bank Statement Header?
The bank statement header is the top of a recent bank statement indicating your business name and address and business bank account number, which should be scanned and uploaded as an attachment to the application form to verify your business name and address, and your bank account details.
How do I sign the form?
Applicants should type in their name and by pressing “Submit” they are confirming that all details are correct/true.
Do I need to submit a Tax Clearance Access Number?
If you are making applications related to a number of businesses/premises (totalling grants of €10,000 or more), or if you are supplying goods/services to the local authority, you must submit a Tax Clearance Access Number to allow your tax clearance status to be checked.
Where can I get more information?
Further information can be obtained from your Local Authority Business Support Unit at Ph. 059-9129783 or e-mail enterprise@carlowcoco.ie
If I am not happy with the decision to refuse my grant can I appeal?
Yes, any decision to refuse a grant may be appealed to Kieran Comerford on kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie up to 30th September 2020.
