The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin yesterday launched a new support scheme to help companies working in the events sector with their fixed costs.

The €11.5 million Events Sector Covid Support Scheme (ESCSS) is targeted at SMEs in that sector which have been affected significantly by the Covid-19 public health restrictions. A grant of up to €50,000 is available to successful applicants as a contribution to their fixed costs.

The scheme will be run by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and is being funded via a €11.5m transfer from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.  To be eligible for this scheme the business must have been ineligible for support under the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by Revenue.

Speaking yesterday, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar said, "Throughout the pandemic, we have tried to help businesses with their fixed costs, though the various grants, wage subsidies and low-cost loans that are in place. This Scheme is specifically for companies working in the events sector. So those businesses working to host the events themselves and also those providing the services required to put on live performance shows, trade shows, and festivals including event promotion and management companies, security, supply of sound, lighting and stage equipment companies.  It will provide a grant of up to €50,000 to help with fixed costs."

Source: www.businessworld.ie