Business development aid to companies to alleviate the coronavirus disruption

On 2 April 2020, the Government decided to issue a decree on the temporary amendment of the Government Decree on Discretionary Government Transfers to Develop Business Operations. Provisions on the granting of business development aid in the market and production disruption caused by the coronavirus epidemic were added to the Decree. Temporary amendments would be in force from 3 April to 31 December 2020.

According to the Decree, aid may be granted for carrying out a situation analysis and for development measures in the market and production disruption caused by the coronavirus epidemic. The amount of aid for preparing a situation analysis may be up to 80% of the eligible costs but not exceeding EUR 10,000, and for development measures up to 80% of the eligible costs but not exceeding EUR 100,000.

According to estimates, the proposed amendment will make companies better equipped to overcome the adverse effects of the market and production disruption caused by the coronavirus epidemic. In addition, it is estimated that the proposed amendment will ensure financing for post-crisis business development measures.

Business development aid is granted by the Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres). The aid granted by the ELY Centres to mitigate the impact of the market and production disruption caused by the coronavirus epidemic is intended for small enterprises.

Inquiries:
Emmi Äijälä, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7216