Self-employed people who had to stop work because of the COVID-19 restrictions can apply for a €1,000 grant under a revamped Enterprise Support Grant which opened for applications today (14 August).

The grant is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and taxi drivers, who do not pay commercial rates and therefore do not qualify for the Government’s Restart Grant Plus Scheme.

Once-off supports

The scheme previously supported those who were setting up new businesses, but it will now provide once-off supports for self-employed people who had to stop operations as a result of the pandemic.

The Department of Social Protection said the grant would help people who have moved from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment into self-employment since 18 May.

It is available to small business owners who employ fewer than 10 people, are not liable for commercial rates and have an annual turnover of less than €1 million.

“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,” said Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys (pictured).