Mullingar businesses can now apply for the Restart Grant

(Above) Deputy Peter Burke.

Fine Gael TD Peter Burke is encouraging micro enterprises and small businesses in Mullingar and Westmeath to apply for the Government’s new Restart Grant.

The Mullingar chartered accountant said: “The application form for the Government’s new €250 million Restart Grant is now available on Westmeath County Council’s website, and I encourage business owners to apply. I have a link on my facebook and twitter page for any businesses who have trouble accessing the portal.

“This scheme, announced by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, will provide much needed direct grant aid to micro and small businesses in Mullingar to help them get going again as the country re-opens.

“The grants available range between €2,000 and €10,000 and can be used to help with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures. The minimum grant even the smallest of businesses will get is €2,000.

“The grant is available to eligible businesses who have stayed open throughout the crisis, as well as those who are reopening under Phase 1 (from 18 May) and Phase 2 (8 June) of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

“I applaud all the small businesses in our towns who have kept going in some way throughout the pandemic, and I want to reassure those who have had to close that we are doing everything to support them to reopen. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy here in Mullingar and they will be crucial to Ireland’s economic recovery.

“This grant support is part of a wider package of supports for firms of all sizes worth a total of €12 billion nationally. These include the Wage Subsidy Scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which will help to improve cashflow amongst our SMEs and have helped to keep many going throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Clonmore native said, “While all the information you need should be available on the online application form, if you have any further queries about the application you can contact the Business Support Unit in the Council. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has also established a Business Support Call Centre for information on the supports available to businesses and enterprises affected by COVID-19. It can be reached at infobusinesssupport@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631 2002. If you have any further queries, you can call my office on 0449385044 or my mobile directly on 087 7941888.

“It is important to note that this is a cash grant, paid directly to your account. There is no conditionality, other than businesses must have received a rates bill for last year. I am happy there are no other terms and conditions and I think it is fair that the grant is so accessible and will benefit all small businesses in our community who work to pay their rates and contribute to our local economy year on year. It is now time for the government to repay some of that hard work and get businesses back on their feet”.