Businesses in Fingal are being encouraged to apply for funding under a new assistance scheme launched by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is intended to target those businesses with operating costs that do not qualify for the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners. Eligible applicants will be entitled to an initial payment of €4,000 for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2021 The Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) is available to companies, self-employed, sole traders or partnerships and the eligibility criteria for the SBASC and the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are similar. The main difference between SBASC and CRSS is the requirement, in the case of CRSS, for the public to have access to a business premises. SBASC also aligns with recently announced grant schemes for the tourism, arts and entertainment sectors.Speaking about this new funding announcement Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “The survival of small business is vital for the towns and villages of Fingal and I encourage anyone eligible to apply this new SBASC funding which will be of great assistance in meeting some of their current costs so they can keep afloat until the pandemic restrictions can be loosened.” AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council have been providing a wide range of supports to local businesses and working with all stakeholders throughout the last year to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.The new funding provided under SBASC will be another important support for small businesses to ensure that they can reopen and continue to provide employment and vital services in communities across the county.”Emer O’Gorman Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development said: “The new SBASC funding is a welcome addition to the range of financial supports available to Fingal businesses to enable them help keep afloat until they can fully reopen. It builds on previous supports such as the Restart Grant and Restart Grant Plus and our initiatives such as Fingal In it Together and Shop Local campaigns as we work closely with local Chambers of Commerce and national agencies to provide much-needed support to businesses. I would encourage all qualifying businesses to apply.”The grant, which is available as a contribution towards fixed costs to assist a business to keep operational for an eventual re-opening, is only available to an applicant operating from a rateable property. The scheme covers the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. Each eligible applicant will receive a payment of €4,000 with an additional payment of €4,000 from May 2021 to applicants continuing to meet the scheme eligibility criteria. Full details and information on applying can be found on the Fingal County Council Website.The closing date for applications for the initial grant under SBASC is 21 April 2021.

Fingal Co Co hosted virtual celebration of International Women’s Day

Fingal County Council hosted a virtual celebration of International Women’s Day which took place on Monday, March 8, 2021. As physical events are not possible under current government restrictions, virtual celebrations featuring contributions from Community, Sports, Local Enterprise Office and Communications will be held this year. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.To mark the occasion, the Fingal County Council Communications Unit posted short videos throughout the day on their social media channels with contributions from female Fingal County Councillors, Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and female members of the Fingal County Council Executive Management Team.The participants were asked to give an insight into why they decided to pursue their chosen career, what achievements they are most proud of and what women inspire them. It is part of a Fingal County Council initiative to build awareness of Local Government among women.Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage women to embrace their part in leadership and change. It is important to celebrate the occasion even though we cannot do so in a physical capacity under current restrictions. I am delighted to be part of this virtual event which will give people an insight into the invaluable role of women in politics, sport, the public and voluntary sector and all aspects of life.” The Council’s Sports Office devised a series of events to mark International Women’s Day, including holding female-only FAI Player Development Plan and Safeguarding workshops, and focussing on various projects and initiatives taking place under the pillars of the Women in Sport Policy.Well-known TV personality and business woman Gráinne Seoige was the keynote speaker at the Fingal Enterprising Women Network event which took place online on March 5. This online event, hosted by LEO Fingal, was opened by Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly and was an excellent opportunity for women in business to share insights and lessons learned in their chosen fields. Fingal County Council’s Community Development Office celebrated International Women’s Day with a series of online conversations with women active in leadership in Fingal.

Our ‘Tap to Donate €3’ machine has arrived in Specsavers, Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan.A small countertop device which allows a contactless donation of €3. Displayed on the welcome desk it is simple to use, just ‘Tap to Donate’.Thank you Brian and Paul.2020 was a very difficult year for fundraising but with your help we raised €22,787.56 for Guide Dogs. Restrictions are still in place but when allowed we will be out in the community again.In January we received a cheque for €333.33 from Tesco’s community fund initiative. Thank you Tesco and especially Lisa from the local Millfield store.The annual Balbriggan Feis couldn’t be held in February but Damien, Ann and committee raised €966 for us through their Facebook fundraiser, thank you all.Thomas O’Grady, from Skerries, gave off-road dirt track motorbike lessons to some youngsters and raised €300, thank you Thomas. Anne and Yarrow raised €200 with their photo taken beside the large collecting dog in Millfield.Please view our videos on Facebook made by volunteers, Zoe, Anne, Andy, Tom, and Adele, with Guide dogs Nico and Qeb and puppies Yarrow and Lola.Please donate if you can at our facebook page Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs page.Do you have an idea for a fundraising event? We’d love to hear from you.Contact us by phone or text 085 7663107 or email guidedogsbalbriggan@gmail.com.A number of Transition Year students from Loreto Balbriggan participated in a virtual programme with IGDB in March.The 5 day programme is aimed to inspire students by raising awareness of the difference a Guide or Assistance Dog can make to others and how they can change lives. Guide Dog Day will be on Friday 7th May and we hope to be out with our new contactless machine which accepts donations in line with payment limits.Up to €50 by tap, over €50 you insert your card and enter your Pin.Yarrow remains with Anne but when he goes to Cork for training we will keep you informed on his progress as he hopefully becomes a Guide or Assistance Dog.