The corona pandemic is presenting people with major economic challenges: Companies that are affected — directly or indirectly — by the measures in particular are being put to the test. Politicians are optimistic that the”bazooka“provides at least the financial solutions and sets up aid packages worth billions. In addition to short-time work allowance, bridging assistance (in particular loss of turnover and reimbursement of fixed costs), tax loss carryback and simplified refinancing options, there are also funding elements that are often unknown to many small and medium-sized companies.
There are a variety of funding opportunities that can be used sensibly as a company for future investments.
What else is eligible under the Bridging aid III?
Investments in hygiene concepts
First, fixed costs for hygiene measures related to the corona pandemic are eligible for funding. This includes in particular expenditure on...
- the purchase of mobile air purifiers using HEPA filters or UVC light and the retrofitting of existing stationary air filter systems,
- measures to temporarily relocate business operations to outdoor areas,
- single-use items for implementing hygiene measures (e.g. rapid tests, disinfectants and protective masks) and
- training employees on hygiene measures and visitor/customer counting devices.
terms
However, the application requirements must be taken into account:
There must be a drop in sales of at least 30% due to corona compared to the reference month in 2019.
Eligibility to apply is also required or
previous benefits are credited,
if previous bridging assistance has already been used.
Further funding
Personnel expenses that are not covered by short-time work allowance are also supported at a lump sum of 20% of fixed costs in bridging aid III. In addition, construction measures to implement hygiene concepts as well as marketing and advertising costs can be supported
Investments in digitization
Investments in digitization (across industries) are also included in fixed costs, e.g. setting up or expanding an online shop or entry costs for large platforms
- single-use items for implementing hygiene measures (e.g. rapid tests, disinfectants and protective masks) and
- training employees on hygiene measures and visitor/customer counting devices.
Construction measures...
are refundable in the amount of 20,000€ per month if they were incurred in the period March 2020 to June 2021.
Digital—Investments...
are subsidized once with up to 20,000€.
Investments in digital hardware and software as well as IT security...
are supported by the state of Lower Saxony with a further grant of up to 10,000€. This is independent of bridging aid III.
The Lower Saxony Digital Bonus can be applied for at NBank
Investments must amount to at least 5,000€. The subsidy must be up to 50% for small companies and up to 30% for medium-sized enterprises.
On the one hand, “small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of commercial
Industry or crafts as well as freelancers who make investments in the life sciences or eHealth sector, based or established in Lower Saxony.” On the other hand, “small freelance planning offices in the field of digital construction based or permanent establishment in Lower Saxony” are entitled to funding.
Perishable and seasonal goods in wholesale and retail
Retailers are among the most affected sectors of the economy, who are at risk of being stuck with the costs of seasonal goods. Because of the ordered business closure, some of it can no longer be sold or can only be sold with significant losses in value.
For perishable and seasonal goods in the 2020/2021 winter season, a special rule is therefore being introduced for retailers: According to this, for example, there are losses in value of...
- Christmas items,
- fireworks,
- winter clothes and
- perishable goods that could not be sold during the closure period,
refundable. This includes perishable goods to the same extent that could not be sold during the closure period.
Wholesalers affected indirectly, who were unable to achieve their calculated sales to retailers as planned, can also benefit from the regulation. However, it is important that documentation and proof requirements for the respective whereabouts or performance of the goods are met.
