Ebbie Schmidt says there is “serious money available for local enterprises.”
ST. EUSTATIUS--Local companies could be missing out on thousands of dollars’ worth of compensation for lost income due to the COVID crisis.
Ebbie Schmidt, spokesperson for the St. Eustatius and Saba Chamber of Commerce and Industry urges local businesses to apply for a Dutch government grant of upwards of US $99,000.
“This compensation represents a third wave of support provided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate EZK,” Schmidt explained. “It is available to all companies in the Caribbean Netherlands (CN), and is designed to cover lost revenue incurred during the months of July through to September 2020.”
Schmidt insists that the paperwork is straightforward and is available from the Chamber or the offices of the National Department Caribbean Netherlands RCN. “As one can expect, there are a few conditions. Businesses must be known to the tax office as commercially active and they must have a separate address other than a home-based operation,” she added.
However, by the virtue of size and scale, many enterprises on the three islands are registered from residential addresses. Schmidt said, “Nevertheless, if the company is separated from the home and has a recognisable entrance, it will qualify.”
These grants, however, will not cover associations or foundations.
Approximately 860 businesses are registered with the Chamber on Saba and Statia, and Schmidt estimated that about 500 of these businesses may qualify for this financial support.
