In the third call of the COVID program, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) yesterday approved the rent and proceeded to pay 83 percent of applications for 3.1 billion crowns. This follows from data published today by the head of the department, Karel Havlíček (for YES) on Twitter. Entrepreneurs could apply for a commercial rent contribution for the fourth quarter of last year from February 5 to April 8.
In the program, the MIT received 45,514 applications in the amount of 3.9 billion crowns. It was originally calculated that three billion crowns would be set aside for aid. However, the resort had the opportunity to increase funding if necessary, so that the money could be obtained by all eligible applicants. Of the submitted applications, 1,064 for CZK 83.2 million are returned for completion, 72 applications in the amount of approximately CZK 3.4 million have so far been rejected by officials.
All operations that, in connection with anti-epidemic measures, recorded a year-on-year decline in sales of at least 50 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, could apply for a subsidy from the third call of the COVID program. It did not therefore apply only to closed undertakings. Unlike previous calls, the so-called affinity of persons was no longer an obstacle in submitting an application. One entrepreneur could apply for a maximum of ten million crowns for support for all his establishments.
The second COVID rent call related to the third quarter of last year. The Ministry of Industry and Trade accepted applications from 21 October to 4 February. Entrepreneurs submitted 42,118 applications for CZK 3.4 billion.
In the first call of the program, the state contributed 50 percent to commercial rents for last April, May and June. The condition was that the landlord reduced the rent by 30 percent, the rest had to be paid by the tenant. After proving the payment of half of the rent, entrepreneurs could draw support. Applications were received from June 26 to September 30. The Ministry of Industry and Trade received 18,695 applications for CZK 2.6 billion. It rejected 292 applications for about CZK 26 million.
Specific programs, including COVID rent, are now replacing two new grant titles. In COVID 2021, entrepreneurs can receive a contribution of 500 crowns per employee per day for the period from 11 January to 31 March. An alternative aid is COVID Uncovered Costs, in which the state will provide a subsidy of 60 percent of the costs for the period from 1 January to 31 March. In both cases, applicants must document a drop in sales for January to March of at least 50 percent compared to the same period last year or the year before.
