The second round of applications for the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), for both SMEs and microenterprises opened on Thursday, 10 June. The eligibility criteria has been extended to include businesses operating from non-rateable premises. Businesses who received the grant in the first round can receive a second grant, provided they are still eligible. The closing date for Phase 2 applications is Wednesday, 21 July.

SMEs and microenterprises can apply for a grant of €4,000 for those with turnover above €50,000 and €1,000 for microenterprises with a turnover of between €20,000 and €49,999, via a new streamlined application process through their Local Authority or Local Enterprise Office.

Further information is available through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment press release, which announced the opening of Phase 2 applications. Information on the eligibility for SBASC can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website.