A comprehensive resource for businesses trying to manage their way through this current situation. This Guide contains detailed information on a huge range of supports from this Department and other Government Departments and Agencies and advice on other practical steps businesses can take at this time.

The Guide is divided into 5 sections and also includes an Appendix which contains a COVID-19 Business Continuity Checklist which outlines some of the key risks to businesses as well as preparatory actions that can be taken to respond.

Part 1 highlights a number of practical steps that businesses can initially take such as talking to your bank and checking your insurance details.

Part 2 sets out in detail the business supports that are available, ranging from loans to grants to vouchers to mentoring. These include the €450m Strategic Banking Corporation Ireland (SBCI)COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, Enterprise Ireland supports including the €2,500 Lean Business Continuity Voucher and the €5,000 Business Financial Planning Grant as well as supports from the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) like the Trading Online Voucher and the Mentor Programme.

Part 3 of the Guide outlines other Government supports that are available to businesses. Details are provided on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and short time work supports. In addition, links are provided to other important resources like the NSAI Workplace and Retail Protection and Improvement Guides, details on commercial rates deferral and amendments to planning and development regulations to temporarily allow restaurants to operateas takeaways, etc.

Part 4 provides information on the COVID-19 Rapid Response Funding Call which was developed by the Government’s research and innovation agencies to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.This Call is an agile and adaptive initiative to support development of innovative solutions (including STEM-based, social/behavioural science) that can have rapid demonstrable impact on the current COVID-19 crisis in Ireland.

As the COVID-19 situation changes, Government supports also change to address new difficulties and provide solutions and guidance.

Part 5 of the Guide highlights those websites where up-to-date official information is available.

Download the Guide HERE.