The Flemish government has given the green light for a package of support measures for entrepreneurs suffering from the corona measures.
–
Companies that are obliged to close down automatically gain access to the Flemish protection mechanism. Cases that are not closed compulsorily are also entitled to the support with a loss of turnover of at least 60 percent. Flemish Minister of Economy Hilde Crevits (CD&V) has decided this.
The stricter corona measures have left many entrepreneurs with their hands in the hair. They see their turnover drop sharply and many businesses are forced to close. The Flemish government previously announced additional support measures.
On the proposal of Crevits, the Flemish government has now prepared a package of measures. For example, all businesses that are compulsorily closed will automatically appeal to the Flemish protection mechanism. This means that they do not have to demonstrate a loss of turnover for the period in which they are compulsorily closed. The aid amount is 10 percent of the turnover the company had in the same period in 2019.
Businesses that were not obliged to close, but have suffered a loss of turnover of 60 percent, will also be able to request a premium.
The Flemish protection mechanism will be possible in two periods. From October 1 to November 15 and from November 16 to December 31. The application for the first period can be submitted from Monday 16 November via the website of VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship).
For small businesses, there will be a minimum amount of 1,000 euros in support for a period of one and a half months. For companies with 50 employees or more, there is an additional maximum ceiling of EUR 60,000 for the period of one and a half months.
The government has also decided to extend the commercial lease loan until March 2021. Previously, the deadline for applications had already been moved from October 1 to December 1. But because the crisis continues, that date will be moved to March 1, 2021.
The corona measures are also forcing many merchants to reach their customers online. That is why information sessions and webinars will be organized to inform and support entrepreneurs. Minister Crevits is also making 700,000 euros available for this.
– .
