“Small businesses deserve fairness and appreciation” | Criticism of the funding model of Federal Minister of Economics Martin Kocher (ÖVP)
Vienna (OTS) – After months of waiting, the website of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) published an announcement – probably on instructions from the ministry: Accordingly, small (most) companies will be able to apply for an energy cost subsidy (flat-rate subsidy model) for 2022 from mid-May. But the details are in themselves.
Months of waiting & massive unequal treatment
„It is sheer mockery: After half a year of waiting, which is now going on for another two to three months, the micro (smallest) companies are being fobbed off with crumbs – and that only for the year 2022, mind you.
While many of them are struggling to survive, the lavishly funded industry is celebrating its record results in one cheer after the other,” says Jungwirth.
Large companies that have been able to apply for an energy cost subsidy since the beginning of November will receive between 30 and 70% of the additional costs from the state in 2022, depending on the sector. In 2023, these percentages will rise even further to 60 to 80%.
Small businesses disadvantaged
With Kocher’s flat-rate model, the small companies would be categorized according to their turnover and industry. Many would be paid perfectly ridiculous amounts for 2022. For the year 2023, in which the increases in energy prices will only have a full impact on many small companies, the ÖVP Minister for Economic Affairs has no longer provided any funding at all.
In addition to the unrealistic calculation method, the green economy also criticizes the planned lower turnover limit (10,000 euros) for eligible companies.
Green economy demands fairness for the little ones
“Once again, the impression is confirmed: For the ÖVP, only large companies and corporations count. They roll out the red carpet – the small entrepreneurs are left out in the rain,” says Jungwirth.
„We demand fairness and appreciation for small businesses. They form the broad basis of the Austrian economy. An economics minister who favors corporations and large companies in such a way is not doing his job.
And we will continue to point out this unequal treatment again and again until we finally achieve fair conditions for everyone.”
Questions & contact:
green economy
Lukas Elsler
PR & Communication
+43 664 13 76 486
lukas.elsler@gruenewirtschaft.at
https://gruenewirtschaft.at
