Application process for Covid-19 Restart Grant for small businesses now open – David Stanton

The application process for the €250m Covid-19 Restart Grant for small and micro businesses is now open according to Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality, David Stanton. 

The Restart Grant is designed to assist local businesses with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following closures as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. This funding will be available to businesses employing 50 people or less and with a turnover of below €5 million which were either closed or saw a 25% reduction in turnover up to the period ending 30 June 2020. The grant aid will be equivalent to the rates bill of the business in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

Speaking after the application process had opened, David Stanton said: “I acknowledge the many difficulties that small business owners in Cork East may be facing as a result of the current health restrictions. These businesses are pivotal in progressing economic and social activity in towns and villages across the constituency and this grant aid will provide a contribution towards the cost of reopening or keeping a business operational and reconnecting with employees and customers.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, a range of measures including wage cost supports, liquidity supports, and the deferral or waiver of payments have been introduced by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to support enterprises of all sizes. Further details on these supports are available on the Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

“This Restart Grant is designed to specifically help small and micro businesses to reopen their doors and can be used to defray ongoing fixed costs, to replenish stock levels or to implement workplace measures that will ensure increased safety for employees and customers alike. The online application process for the grant is now open and I would encourage all local businesses that meet the eligibility criteria to apply directly to Cork County Council”, concluded David Stanton.

Further information on the Restart Grant online application process is available on the Cork County Council website at:

Cork County Council has also established a dedicated helpline for the fund which can be reached at 021 4208000 or via email at RestartFund@CorkCoCo.ie.