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Enterprise Support Grant for businesses impacted by COVID-19
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Enterprise Support Grant is available to assist eligible self-employed recipients who close their COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
This will provide business owners with a grant of up to €1,000 to restart their business which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you claimed the grant in 2020 but found yourself back on COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment in 2021, you will be able to access the €1,000 grant for a second time if you close your COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment on or after 1 June 2021.
The Grant will be awarded to self-employed people who:
- are tax and PRSI compliant
- are not liable for commercial rates
- have been in receipt of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and have closed their claim
- have reopened their business which was closed due to the pandemic
- employ less than 10 people
- have an annual turnover of less than €1 million
- are not eligible for similar COVID-19 business restart grants from other government departments
- can produce VAT receipts/invoices in respect of business restart costs and expenses claimed, if requested to do so by the department
Funding will be awarded for eligible costs up to a maximum of €1,000 for first time application.
If you claimed the grant in 2020 but found yourself back on COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment in 2021, you will be able to access the €1,000 grant for a second time if you close your COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment on or after 1 June 2021.
The grant will be awarded for costs related to reopening your business, including:
- safety measures
- business advice or mentoring
- repairs
- fuel
- wages
Complete the COVID-19 ESG 1 application form below and return it to your local Intreo Centre.
You must retain all receipts and invoices for one year from the date of payment of this grant for inspection by the department.
