Thursday, 24th October 2024
Cork North West Fine Gael General Election Candidate Councillor John Paul O’Shea is calling on local businesses involved in retail and hospitality in Cork to register for the newly launched Power Up Grant, which will boost their business to the tune of €4000.
The new Power Up Grant was announced as part of Budget 2025 and launches this week. It’s specifically aimed at supporting small local cafés, restaurants, pubs and retailers and will provide a tax free cash payment of €4000 directly into their bank account, to be paid before Christmas.
Cllr O’Shea said: “Minister Peter Burke has confirmed to me today that the Power Up Grant has been officially launched and the portal for registrations is now open. The scheme is a €170 million fund secured in the budget and administered by the Local Authority network, who are now emailing all eligible businesses with details on how to register.
“All those who received the Increased Cost of Business Grant second round earlier this year are eligible – namely all businesses involved in retail and hospitality who have rates bills under €30,000. Fine Gael are targeting our small hospitality and retail SMEs with this support, as we know they face the highest increase in costs, in areas such as electricity.
“The portal will remain open for two weeks, and I am urging businesses not to lose out, to check your emails and register without further delay.”
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke, said: “I am very aware of the struggles that businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors continue to face. The Power Up Grant has a budget of €170 million and along with the €244 million that has now been paid out in grants already this summer, this represents a significant support for our small, family-run businesses by Fine Gael and Government.
“We know that input costs have increased, and this flat payment will go some way to help with rising costs associated with running your businesses during the busy Christmas period.
“Along with Taoiseach Simon Harris, I continue to engage with businesses up and down this country, and currently we are working on proposals for our manifesto which seek to address some of issues being raised with us.”
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Emer Higgins said: “The Power Up grant will be paid directly into a business’s bank account, and the registration process was specifically designed to be quick and straightforward. Our small family-run businesses in retail and hospitality play a crucial role in our towns and villages across the country, and I urge eligible businesses to register and avail of this grant.”
ENDS
