Sole traders left out of work due to COVID-19 can now apply for up to €1,000 in grant aid to help with business costs.
A total of €12 million has been set aside for the Enterprise Support Grant, aimed at tradespeople, taxi drivers and other 'micro self-employed' businesses that can't access other Government schemes.
To qualify, a business owner must have come off the Pandemic Unemployment Payment after May 17th, when lockdown was first eased.
It applies to tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and taxi drivers, covering sole traders who employ fewer than 10 people and are not liable for commercial rates.
The grant can cover the likes of wages, fuel, new equipment, signage or PPE.
The Government says the once-off grants are specifically for those who "have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations" as a result of the pandemic.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said: "This is an important grant to assist the self-employed to reopen their business.
"So if you're a plumber, carpenter, beautician, gardener or electrician who is transitioning back to work, or the taxi driver getting your car back on the road - this grant may be of interest to you."
The form to apply for the grant can be accessed on the Department of Social Welfare website.
