Offaly businesses receive much-needed boost with new business grant

Independent councillor, Sean O' Brien, has welcomed the Increased Cost Of Business Grant which will soon be available to small and medium businesses  in Offaly.   

This new grant is a support to small businesses based on the rates bill for 2023.

"This grant will be a welcome help for small businesses who are finding it difficult to cope with the recent increased cost of running a business.    It was announced in the Budget and now the processes are being put in place for payments to be made to businesses through Offaly County Council," outlined Cllr O' Brien.

"A SME for the purposes of this grant is a business with a Rates Bill in 2023 of up to €30,000.    For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Rates  bill under €10,000 the Grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the Rates bill.  For businesses with a 2023 Rates bill between €10,000 and €30,000 the Great  amount will be €5000.    The business must be rates compliant and businesses with a payment plan will be deemed compliant," continues Cllr O' Brien.

"Businesses do not have to apply to the Council as a letter will be sent to all ratepayers starting on 12th March.  There will be a special Increased Cost Of Business(ICOB) Portal on the Council website from 14th March.    Businesses  will have to access this Portal and enter certain details about their business and payments will commence on 22nd April.  This Grant will be a very welcome income for SME's  at this time and I encourage all businesses who receive a letter from the Council about this matter to follow up by accessing the Portal on the Council website  www.offaly.i,e" concluded Cllr O' Brien.