Enterprise Support Grant

€1,000 Grant for sole traders hit by Covid-19

Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, T.D., has today opened applications for the newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant – designed to assist the self-employed as they get back on their feet following Covid-19.

“So if you’re a plumber, carpenter, beautician, gardener or electrician who is transitioning back to work, or the taxi driver getting your car back on the road, this grant may be of interest to you,” Minister Humphreys said.

The Enterprise Support Grant previously supported entrepreneurs who were setting up new enterprises. It has now been revamped to specifically provide once-off supports for self-employed people who have been severely affected and have had to cease operations as a result of the pandemic.

So what can you use this grant for?

In her briefing, Minister Humphreys explained, “Whether it’s paying wages, fuel costs, purchasing PPE or signage – this is an important grant to assist the self-employed to reopen their business and get back doing what they do best: Providing crucial and essential services in their communities.”

Who qualifies for this grant?

The Department of Social Protection has stated that this Grant It will be paid on the basis of expenditure incurred by an applicant to re-open their business covering their costs up to €1,000 and will assist those people who:

• transitioned from the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment into self-employment since May 18th, which marked Phase One of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
• employ fewer than 10 people
• are not liable for commercial rates
• have an annual turnover of less than €1 million
• do not have an entitlement to other business re-start grants.

For more information on the Enterprise Support Grant please see: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/55be4-minister-humphreys-opens-applications-for-enterprise-support-grant/