Free money! Kilkenny’s self-employed to benefit from €1,000 restart grant

Kilkenny’s self-employed who had to avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) but have since signed off it and gone back to work can now avail of a €1,000 government grant.

The grant which is being offered as part of the revised Enterprise Support Grant is designed to help Kilkenny’s sole-traders who do not pay commercial rates, get their business started again.

Is it expected the grant will greatly assist workers such as plumbers, painters, electricians, carpenters, taxi drivers, hair dressers, beauticians and more.

The scheme has been revamped to specifically provide once-off supports for the self-employed who have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the grant is crucial in assisting an important part of the state’s economy.

“I’m opening applications to people who need assistance in getting back on their feet and their businesses back up and running.

“Whether it’s paying wages, fuel costs, purchasing PPE or signage this is an important grant to assist the self-employed to reopen their business and get back doing what they do best: Providing crucial and essential services in their communities.

“So if you’re a plumber, carpenter, beautician, gardener or electrician who is transitioning back to work, or the taxi driver getting your car back on the road, this grant may be of interest to you,” Minister Humphreys concluded.

The grant is available to those people who took themselves off the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and returned into self-employment on or after 18 May.

It’s available to any small business owner who employ fewer than ten people, who are not liable for commercial rates and have an annual turnover of less than €1m.