APPLICATIONS FOR ELY CENTRE AID ARE ACCEPTED FROM MARCH 31

> for companies employing 1–5 people

The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment have received additional funding to be used for development aid to companies for market and production disruptions resulting from the coronavirus epidemic. In addition to entrepreneurs, the aid is intended for companies employing 1–5 people. The goal of the aid is to support companies in minimizing the detrimental impact of the coronavirus epidemic, as well as to encourage employment. 

Two different forms of aid can be applied for. Companies can use a situation analysis (aid amounts to 80% of calculated wage and indirect costs, limited to €10,000) to assess and plan the company's operation, new business activities, and reorganization of production and services during and after a market and production disruption caused by the coronavirus. 

Companies can also apply for more extensive support for development measures (aid amounts to 80% of the total cost of the measures, limited to €100,000) that improve the company’s prospects during and after a market and production disruption caused by the coronavirus. These measures could be related to, for example, redirection of operations, development of a subcontracting network, reorganization of production, development of products and services, and reinforcing your competence.

Who can apply for the aid?

The aid can be granted, regardless of company form, to companies who:

• have between one and five employees who are not considered entrepreneurs, and whose average working time is at least 30 hours per week
• have suffered from a temporary market or production disruption due to the coronavirus
• aim to reorganize and reinforce their competence
• operate in any other sector than the agricultural, forestry and fishing industries, as well as agro-processing

In addition, the aid is also intended for individual proprietors who have more than five full-time employees.

More information: https://www.ely-keskus.fi/web/ely/poikkeusrahoitus

The actual application instructions will be available on Tuesday, March 31, once applications are accepted.