Pharmacy/Health
Wicklow business owners can avail of several supports as we continue to fight COVID-19. These supports include financial support schemes, rate waivers and tax measures – all of which can help if your business is unable to operate, your revenue has fallen due to C-19, or if you require financial support to help your business operate safely.
The Government supports and guidance continue to develop as the COVID-19 situation changes. You can get up to date information from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Ireland paints a roadmap toward resumption of economic activity and getting people back to work, as Ireland opens and recovers from COVID-19. Below you will find some business supports to note within the ERP.
Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme & Covid Restriction Support Scheme Extended Until 31 December 2021:
The CRSS gives qualifying businesses a cash payment of up to €5,000 a week. Which only applies when Level 3 or higher restrictions are in place.
You can apply to The Revenue Commissioners Office if your business premises are closed to customers or restricted in operating due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Businesses can claim an enhanced restart payment for 3 weeks, capped at €10,000 per week, to help with the costs of reopening as you exit the scheme.
With the EWSS you can get a flat-rate subsidy per employee, provided your turnover has fallen by 30%.
Business Resumption Support Scheme – Launching September 2021:
The BRSS will support vulnerable businesses with a single payment based on a percentage of your average weekly turnover for 2019, up to a maximum payment of €15,000.
You will be eligible if your turnover is reduced by 75% in the reference period (1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021) compared with 2019.
The Scheme will be administered by The Revenue Commissioners Office and will operate similarly to CRSS. You can apply here between 1 September 2021 and 30 November 2021.
COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme:
The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme provides loans between €10,000 and €1 million, over a maximum of five and a half years. The size of the loan is linked to business turnover (25% of 2019 turnover) or wage costs (double annual wage bill in 2019).
COVID-19 Business Loans:
COVID-19 Business Loans up to €25,000 are available through Microfinance Ireland (MFI). With no repayments for the first 6 months and the equivalent 12 months interest-free subject to certain terms and conditions. The loan terms are typically up to 3 years and there are no fees or charges.
The loan is open to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies with less than 10 full-time employees and an annual turnover of up to €2 million. You can apply through the MFI website or your Local Enterprise Office.
Trading Online Voucher Scheme:
A Trading Online Voucher Scheme worth up to €2,500 is available to help small and microenterprises get online. A second voucher of up to €2,500 is also available. Contact your Local Enterprise Office for more information and application details.
Enterprise Support Grant:
If you were getting the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance and are reopening your business, you may qualify for the Enterprise Support Grant.
The grant, worth up to €1000, is aimed at sole traders who do not pay commercial rates and, therefore, do not qualify for the CRSS or similar restart grants.
To apply, download the COVID-19 ESG 1 application form and return it your local Intreo Centre.
Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme:
The AIS Provides a €3,000 payment for each new apprentice, to support employers to take on new apprenticeships until the end of 2021. You can get more information from Solas about how to apply.