Over a thousand businesses yet to apply for funding

BUSINESSES in Sligo should act now and apply for a onceoff Government grant to help them meet rising costs, Sligo/ Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has said.

Deputy Feighan urged local authorities that are currently administering the scheme on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to proactively engage with businesses and allow them to apply for the scheme beyond the May 1st deadline.

Deputy Feighan said: “This €257 million scheme was announced in Budget 2024 by my colleague, former Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, and will provide a real boost to micro businesses and small and medium enterprises here in Sligo.

“In Sligo, 1022 eligible businesses have yet to make a submission for the scheme and I would urge them to do so through the online portal at mycoco.ie.

“Already 405 have applied however if others need advice or assistance, businesses can also contact Sligo Co Council (071 911 1111), which have written to all rate payers with a Customer ID and pin.

“The deadline of May 1st for Sligo businesses to confirm their eligibility and upload verification details is fast approaching in a couple of weeks on May 1st, and I would like to see this deadline extended to ensure they benefit from this vital support.

“For businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of less than €10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.

“For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.

“There should also be pro-active direct email engagement by Local authorities and Local Enterprise Offices to ensure that entrepreneurs and business owners in County Sligo get a portion of their rates back.

“I am also pleased that Taoiseach Simon Harris and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke are working with Government colleagues to examine what additional supports can be provided to small and medium businesses, ahead of Budget 2025,” he said.