Focus: when the platform for business subsidies opens

The Holy Week The platform for submitting applications is expected to open on businesses of focus in order to receive subsidies for the purchase of raw materials, so that they can begin operations. It is estimated that approximately 40,000 businesses will receive aid equal to 7% of their 2019 revenue, with a maximum aid amount of 100,000 euros per tax identification number (AFM).

The platform is part of the Community Aid Information System and will remain open until July 31, 2021, to allow seasonal businesses to register as well.

Businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria for the program:

They must show a decrease in annual revenue for 2020 compared to 2019 that is greater than or equal to 30%. For businesses established in 2019, the decline in revenue is calculated based on an equal number of operating days.

Businesses established in 2020 are automatically eligible for the program.

Food service businesses that were under construction in 2019 and began generating revenue in 2020 are treated as having been established in 2020.

Food service businesses that are required to file periodic VAT returns.

The amount of the subsidy is 7% of the turnover of the primary restaurant NACE code or the NACE code with the highest revenue in 2019. For businesses established in 2019 or 2020, the amount of the grant is calculated as follows: [(2019 or 2020 revenue)/number of operating days] × 365 × 7%.

The maximum amount of aid is set at 100,000 euros.

Businesses must use the grant by December 31, 2021. The audit will be based on periodic VAT returns and the reported expenses.

The following restrictions also apply, and the necessary checks will be carried out:

1. The amount of aid to be granted under this measure must not exceed 70% of the sum of the amounts in codes 361, 363, and 364 on the periodic VAT return form for the year 2021.
2. The sum of the amount of public funding from this specific action and the amount of public funding provided under the support measures for businesses affected by the COVID-19 under the Regional Operational Programs of the NSRF throughout the country, in the form of a grant, may not exceed 100% of the sum of the amounts listed under code 367 of the 2021 periodic VAT return form.

If either (1) and/or (2) applies, then the amount of public funding for that specific action shall be deemed to have been unduly paid and shall be reimbursed by the aid recipient.