Supports for sole traders and small businesses welcomed

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth has welcomed the revamped Enterprise Support Grant announced to help small businesses and sole traders impacted by Covid-19.

She explained, “This grant is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, beauticians, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers etc who do not pay commercial rates and have not qualified for the Government’s Restart Grant Plus Scheme.

“These business people, like many others, have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their work has been interrupted and many have, for the first time, had to apply for a state fund by way of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).

“They are vital to our economy and our economic recovery, and this grant will help them to off-set some of their costs such as fuel, new equipment, signage, PPE, and wages.

“Anyone wishing to apply for the grant can download the application form on www.welfare.ie and, when completed should be sent to their local Intreo Centre. I would strongly encourage people to apply,” concluded Deputy Smyth.