Chief Executive’s Report April 2021 1 Economic Development & Planning: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC) The Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC) aims to assist rateable commercial businesses with operating costs who do not qualify for other covid support schemes such as CRSS and Failte Ireland Business Continuity Grant. The first phase of the scheme will open for applications from the 11th March to 21st April 2021. Wexford County Council has been allocated €1,104,692 for the first SBASC scheme. Phase two will have a closing date of 21st July 2021. Eligibility Criteria: • Must be ineligible for CRSS and other sector specific grants • Down 75% or more in turnover • Operate from a premises where business rates are payable. • Have a minimum turnover of €50,000.00 for each rateable premises. • Must have a current eTax Clearance Certificate Businesses can check for full eligibility criteria and make an application at www.wexfordcoco.ie/sbasc. Queries to:
[email protected] It is envisaged that grant payments will commence in early April once funds are received from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and the relevant checks are carried out with the Revenue Commissioners. To date since within the first two weeks of the scheme there are 67 applications submitted. Ballast Office The Ballast Office regeneration project in the heart of Wexford town at Crescent Quay went out to tender in March. Following assessment of tenders submitted, it is expected the contract will be awarded before the summer. 2 Rev Up Online: Wexford LEO National pilot Initiative for SME’s with Goggle, Facebook, Instagram and Shopify Wexford LEO has devised a new programme to support SME’s, in partnership with Retail Republic.