The moment has arrived! From today the first emergency service points that entrepreneurs can use to apply for various forms of financial support are open. On March 17, 2020 the Government announced an emergency package (in Dutch) to protect jobs and the economy. As part of this support package a temporary scheme is being introduced to help companies with their payroll costs: the Emergency Bridging Fund for Employment (Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkbehoud – NOW); see our blog for more information. The service point for applying under the NOW scheme is likely to open on Monday, April 6, 2020.
Tozo
As of today it is possible to make applications under the Temporary Bridging Scheme for Independent Entrepreneurs (Tijdelijke Overbruggingsregeling Zelfstandige Ondernemers – Tozo). The Tozo supports independent entrepreneurs, including self-employed persons, by offering additional income support up to the minimum social income for a maximum of three months and/or providing a working capital loan of up to € 10,517 in the event of acute liquidity problems. Independent entrepreneurs can submit an application digitally (using DigiD) to the local authority in their place of residence. Here (in Dutch) you can see whether you are eligible for the Tozo and, if so, immediately submit an application.
Contribution of € 4,000
Another support measure for which applications open today is the Policy rule on the contribution towards losses resulting from COVID-19 (Beleidsregel tegemoetkoming schade COVID-19). This is a contribution in the form of a grant to help meet the immediate needs of entrepreneurs who have been directly affected by government measures taken to deal with the coronavirus crisis and, as a result, have seen all or the majority of their turnover disappear. It is intended in particular for food and drink outlets and other establishments that have been forced to suspend the majority of their activities, e.g. beauty salons and other businesses that may be facing problems due to the requirement to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters. Here you will find the conditions that apply to this scheme and here you can use your Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number to see whether you qualify for it. On the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) you will find details of the application process and you can also submit your application digitally here.
NOW
The UWV’s emergency service point for applying under the NOW scheme is likely to open on April 6. Employers who expect their turnover to drop by at least 20% can obtain a contribution of up to 90% of their wage bill for at least three months. If a company loses 50% of its turnover, for example, the contribution will amount to 45% of the employer’s wage bill. As an employer you are not permitted to apply to make employees redundant for commercial reasons while you are receiving the contribution. You must also continue to pay 100% of the salary of the employees concerned if you are taking advantage of this contribution. On the basis of the application you submit, the UWV will issue an advance payment as soon as possible amounting to 80% of the expected contribution. The actual drop in your turnover will be determined retrospectively and final settlement will then take place (additional payment or refund).
Further information will follow as soon as more details are known about the NOW. If you have any questions, these can be send to the email address now@visser-visser.nl. We will keep you up to date with any developments!
