Press release
Restart Grant Plus will help businesses reopen - Tánaiste
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD today opened applications to the Restart Grant Plus Scheme, which gives grants to businesses to help them reopen.
The Restart Grant Plus is a key part of the government’s July Stimulus package, a €7.4 billion package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of COVID-19.
Speaking today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said:
"We must do everything we can to help businesses reopen and get people back to work. We are increasing the Restart Grant Plus, which means that small and medium sized businesses can now get between €4,000 and €25,000 to help them get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time.
"Hairdressers, sports clubs, cafes, restaurants and several other businesses can use this money to help with the costs associated with reopening and adapting to what is a very different environment. This is just one of several actions the government is taking as part of the July Stimulus to help businesses."
Key changes to the Restart Grant Plus Scheme:
Businesses that received a grant under the first scheme can re-apply to local authorities to receive additional funding. For first-time applicants under Restart Plus, the minimum grant is €4,000 and the maximum is €25,000.
ENDS
Interested businesses can apply through their local authority.
Applications to Fáilte Ireland, who will administer the funding to non-rate paying B&Bs, will open over the coming weeks.
To qualify for a grant, the important criteria are:
The grant will be based on the amount of the rates assessment for the premises for 2019 (excluding arrears) with a new minimum grant of €4,000 and a maximum grant of €25,000 (Increased from €2,000 min and €10,000 max).
Eligible firms now include medium-sized firms and independent hotels with up to 250 employees, as well as small firms (increased from 50 employees).
Businesses impacted by a 25% reduction in turnover will be eligible provided they commit to reopening and to hiring and sustaining employment.
A turnover of up to €25 million is now allowable, increased from €5 million. There is a cap of €100,000 turnover per employee.
Commercial sports businesses and trading charity shops in rated premises can now apply for the grant.
The hospitality sector, restaurants, pubs, activity centres and tourist attractions, for example: galleries, museums are eligible if they are operating from a rated premise.
B&Bs in non-rated premises will be eligible to apply for the minimum €4,000 grant from Fáilte Ireland.
A franchisee which is a financially independent company and is completely separate to the franchisor is eligible to apply.
Small company chains can apply if they meet the criteria of <250 employees and €25 million turnover in totality across the company and all the branches.
Multinationals are not eligible. Small Irish based subsidiaries with overseas parent companies are not eligible.
Large chains that are part of a large group company, that is, one legal entity with a number of branches, such as fast food, group and multiple supermarkets, group hotels, group betting shops and group pharmacies are not eligible.