Armonaitė “found” 150 million in the ministry. of which forms the second business aid package

As the Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė said on Wednesday at the meeting of the Seimas Budget and Finance Committee, on the basis of the so-called second aid package, 150 million euros.

“We are also planning a second aid package. We have received another 30 million from the state budget for this. Euros. However, we have also accumulated funds within the ministry, so the second package can be the same size as the first.

We appreciate the opportunities to help particularly affected companies, those whose turnover has been reduced by 50%. and more.

Also, how, in addition to the measures in the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, to help the self-employed, how to create more opportunities to create new jobs. In fact, countries are not only rescuing businesses, but also thinking about new opportunities, ”said A. Armonaitė.

Vice Minister Vincas Jurgutis later clarified the funds for the second package. As you know, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation has received 230 million from the state budget for 2021 for business aid. euros.

“Those 230 million. The budget of 1,000 million euros is divided into three parts: a part (180 million euros) for loans and grants, and another of almost 17 million euros for there are another 33 million to cover a certain loan fund overdue that has been creeping in from the past, we have committed to new measures.

In addition to these 33 million. In the internal reserves of 150 million euros, that is, in several previous under-utilized measures, we find around 150 million euros. EUR – from this we make the second 180 million. He explained, adding that this would not increase the budget deficit.

V. Jurgutis added that in the optimistic scenario, the second package could start operating in February, but before that it still has to be agreed with the social partners and the European Commission.

Enough for everyone

At the meeting, A. Armonaitė also recalled about the operation of the business support fund created by the previous government.

“We have increased your share capital, you will now be able to issue bonds and we want to review your priorities so that we can make better use of that support anyway. As far as I know, at least one application has already paid 7 million euros,” he said.

The minister also spoke about the subsidies that will begin to operate soon.

“The portfolio and the concept of grants in euros are in line with the EC. Now we are waiting for our subsidiary Invega to launch that portfolio. Hopefully next week, he said. – There are still 150 million left. The concept of a grant in euros approved by the government last week.

Companies whose average monthly billing has decreased by at least 30% will be eligible. The period will be compared from November 1, 2020 to January 30, 2021 with the corresponding periods in 2019. Those companies that have been restricted by the new quarantine requirements may exclude November. “

A. Armonaitė taught that new companies that have not yet paid personal income tax will be able to apply for a one-time grant of 500 euros.

“And generally the ceiling is 25 percent. Amounts of GPM paid. In this way, we encourage companies that pay taxes.

I would like to emphasize that it will not be the case that someone attacks, everything will quickly collapse and there will be no one left. There will be two invitations running at the same time. One for independent companies, the other for those related to other people. This means that support for single-owner businesses can come faster.

We believe that the turnover will fall in January, which the company will declare, we will believe. But the authorities will control the fight at random. If the turnover does not fall by 30%, the subsidy will have to be returned ”, he warned.

At the meeting, A. Armonaitė also announced that two working groups had begun to function under the Ministry. One is to discuss relief measures and involves all the major business associations in the country. The second will provide the company with information on how to comply with the quarantine requirements.

A new list of companies affected by Covid-19 from the State Tax Inspection was also presented at Wednesday’s meeting. You can find more information here.