Mayo businesses should apply now for grant to help with increased costs
OVER 3,000 businesses in Mayo should act now and apply for a once-off government grant to help them meet rising costs, Minister of State Alan Dillon has said.
Minister Dillon urged Mayo County Council, who 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 1 deadline.
Said Minister Dillon: “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 Mayo.
“In total in Mayo there are 4,183 businesses who received letters in relation to the scheme. Of these, 3,190 eligible businesses have yet to make a submission for the scheme while 993 have submitted applications.
“I would urge any business who has not applied to do so through the online portal at mycoco.ie. If they need assistance, businesses can also contact Mayo County Council, who have written to all rate payers with a customer ID and pin.
“The deadline of May 1 for Mayo businesses to confirm their eligibility and upload verification details is fast approaching, and I would like to see this deadline extended to ensure they benefit from this vital support.”
He added: “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 proactive direct email engagement by local authorities and Local Enterprise Offices to ensure that entrepreneurs and business owners in Mayo 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.”