With just one day to go until the deadline for applications for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), the Small Firms Association (SFA) is calling small firms who are not eligible for other direct sectoral grant schemes to apply.

The body has also urged local authorities to ensure the speedy issuance of the scheme.

Director Sven Spollen-Behrens said: “Hundreds of small business owners in the supply chain have suffered severe falls in revenue and sales because of the COVID crisis but have not been allowed to access the same relief as non-essential retail, tourism, and hospitality businesses. 

“SBASC now aims to help these businesses with their fixed costs, such as, rent, utility bills and security. We urge eligible small business owners and entrepreneurs to apply before the 21 April, so they don’t miss out.”   

Payment

Through SBASC, a payment grant of €4,000 is available for the first quarter of this year. 

The scheme is being run on a first-come-first-served basis and a decision on payment for the second quarter of this year has still not been confirmed. 

We need a commitment from Government that a second grant will be made for quarter two, due to the continued financial difficulties facing qualifying businesses and particularly in the absence of a detailed reopening roadmap.  

“Small firms rely on local authorities to promote and distribute SBASC in a fast and timely manner. To ensure that no firm misses out on this grant, we urge the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to work closely with every local authority to get these funds handed out quickly to businesses” said Spollen-Behrens.