COVID-19 Aids, Grants and Funds
| Due to the latest developments we encourage you to conduct a risk assessment and put business continuity plans in place due to Coronavirus (Covid-19). See below some of the grants, aids, funds and benefits available to your business and employees. We will update you with anything that can be of help over the next couple of days COVID-19 Aids, Grants and Funds Business supports he Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation announced a number of supports for businesses facing challenges being presented by the current Covid-19 situation. The Credit Guarantee Scheme is in place and available now to SME’s subject to the relevant terms and conditions. Separately the SBCI is currently working to finalise the terms and conditions of the SBCI COVID19 Working Capital Scheme and the eligibility application process for this. The SBCI website will be updated as soon as these are finalised. In the interim if you wish to be kept informed on developments please email the SBCI at info@sbci.gov.ie Enterprise Ireland Act On Initiative – The initiative helps companies decide on specific actions over a short period to address some of the risks and opportunities from Covid-19. This initiative for Enterprise Ireland clients is delivered at no cost to the company. https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/About-Us/Services/Covid-19/Supports/ Business Continuity Planning This user-friendly checklist identifies a range of issues for enterprise to consider in responding to a COVID-19 outbreak. https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Business-Continuity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html The following supports are available for firms experiencing trading difficulties and short-term shocks The Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection and the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation will provide a joint First Responder support service through the Intreo Offices and development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in each region to provide tailored supports for impacted firms, with objective of avoiding mass lay-offs and buying time for firms to work through the short-term disruptions. Firms that need to reduce hours or days worked can avail of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Short Term Work Support by contacting their local Intreo Office, see https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c20e1b-short-time-work-support/ Local Enterprise Offices will be providing vouchers from €2,500 up to €10,000 (with 50:50 match funding) to support business continuity preparedness, innovation and productivity. SBCI Working Capital Scheme To be eligible for the SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, businesses must satisfy one of the COVID-19 criteria and one of the innovation criteria set out for the scheme. There is a broad suite of innovation criteria and this offers a wide range of opportunity for businesses to engage in the scheme. Guidelines will be provided on the SBCI website to help businesses determine if they are eligible for the scheme. https://sbci.gov.ie/schemes/sme-credit-guarantee-scheme-cgs COVID-19 Benefits for Employees Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences: When a worker is told to self-isolate by a doctor or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by a doctor, they can apply for an enhanced Illness Benefit payment of €305 per week. Do not visit your GP, contact them by telephone. To receive the enhanced payment, you must be self-isolating on the instruction of a doctor or other medical professional and/or diagnosed. The Illness benefit payment will be paid for a maximum of 2 weeks where a person is self-isolating but will be paid for the duration of a person’s absence from work if they have been diagnosed. How to Apply Step 1 – If you are an employee or self-employed and feel you may be suffering from Covid-19 or may need to self-isolate; you should contact your doctor by telephone. The doctor will then complete a medical certificate on your behalf and send this directly to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. To receive a payment, you will need to provide your doctor with your Name, PPSN and DoB. Step 2 – Complete an application form for Illness Benefit (Form IB 1). There are three ways that you can make an application: You can call 1890 800 024 or 01 2481398 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday to get an application form by post Organise someone to pick up a form at your doctor’s surgery or at your local Intreo Centre An online application process will be available by the end of March It is important to complete part 5 of the Illness Benefit form as this contains how you would like to be paid. You don’t have to fill in part 7 of the form. Send your application form by Freepost to: PO Box 1650, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Dublin 1 |