The Government ‘Restart Grant Plus’ and the ‘Enterprise Support Grant’
by Sean Grahame
 
 

The 'Restart Grant Plus' scheme and the updated Enterprise Support Grant are two recent measures announced by the government to assist businesses reopen and get back trading.

 

The initial Restart Grant scheme offered grants of between €2,000 and €10,000 based on the rates of the business for 2019 excluding any rates arrears from prior years. The updated Restart Grant Plus scheme has increased the grant assistance to a minimum of €4,000 and maximum of €25,000.

 

A business can avail of the Restart Grant Plus scheme even if it got funding in the initial scheme up to a combined maximum of €25,000. If the business received less than the new minimum of €4,000 in the first tranche, then they are entitled to a further €4,000 funding under the new scheme.

 

The rates for 2019 do not actually have to be paid to be eligible to apply. The grant amount is based on the 2019 rates valuation document received by the business subject to the €25,000 limit.

 

To apply for the Restart Grant Plus the business must have turnover of less than €100,000 per employee, have no more than 250 employees and turnover must have reduced by at least 25% due to the Covid pandemic.

 

There are several changes to the restart plus scheme from the initial restart grant;

  • The turnover threshold of applicants is increased to €25 million from €5 million incorporating the cap of €100,000 per employee
  • Commercial Sports businesses and trading charity shops in rated premises can now apply
  • Businesses in the hospitality sector like restaurants, pubs and tourist attractions such as museums and galleries are eligible to apply if operating from a rateable premises
  • B&B’s which do not pay rates can apply to Failte Ireland for the minimum amount of €4,000
  • Multinational companies and large chains of companies like group hotels and betting shops are excluded from the scheme. A franchise however is eligible if completely independent from the franchisor

The thrust of the scheme is based on businesses committing to reopening and retaining employees who are on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). Applications for the grant are made through your Local Authority website and payment should be processed within two weeks into the bank account which makes the rates payments. Applications for the scheme are open until 30th September 2020.

 

In addition to the Restart Plus Grant the Enterprise Support Grant is aimed at Sole Traders who do not pay commercial rates and therefore do not qualify for the Restart Grant. The grant which is based on vouched expenses is worth up to €1,000 and is intended to help with the cost of essential equipment to run the business. Business consumables directly related to trading will generally not be accepted.

 

Eligible costs must relate to the restart of the business and include;

  • Capital costs including signage and PPE
  • Installation of safety measures
  • Business training and coaching
  • Advertising and Salaries
  • Vehicle running costs
  • Accountancy and professional fees
  • Public Liability and indemnity insurance

Receipts and invoices must be retained for a period of 12 months following payment of the grant for possible verification checks from revenue.

 

To qualify for the Enterprise Support Grant the following criteria apply;

  • The business was in operation prior to March 2020, closed as a result of the pandemic and has since reopened
  • The individual was in receipt of the Covid 19 PUP or Jobseeker’s Benefit/Allowance and has closed the claim since 18th May 2020
  • The business employs fewer than 10 people
  • Annual turnover must be less than €1 million
  • The individual has a Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN)

To apply for the grant a form Covid-19 ESG1 must be completed and sent to your local Intreo Centre. The grant will be paid to the same bank account that the Covid-19 PUP or Jobseeker’s claim was paid. The grant is not available if you pay commercial rates or are eligible for any other Covid-19 business restart grants. It appears that a director of a small company will be eligible to apply for this grant if all other criteria are satisfied.

 

Regards

Sean