The Government has opened applications to the Restart Grant Plus Scheme, which aims to help SMEs adapt and reopen following Covid-19 restrictions.

In this new round of the Restart Grant Plus Scheme, SMEs will now be able to apply for grants of between €4,000 and €25,000 as they reopen or adjust their business.

The scheme, which provides grants to assist businesses as they reopen, is a key part of the Government’s €7.4bn July Stimulus package.

Main differences between old scheme and Restart Grant Plus Scheme:

1. This scheme includes €300m in funding, in addition to the €250m that was previously submitted;

2. Previous grant amounts awarded were between €2,000 and €10,000;

3. Medium-sized companies with up to 250 employees can now also apply for the scheme, which previously reserved grants for companies with less than 50 employees;

4. There is also increased eligibility for non-rateable B&Bs, sports clubs with commercial activities and trading charity shops.