UTRECHT – The municipality of Utrecht will earmark 2.8 million euros in the coming months for entrepreneurs who are having a hard time as a result of the corona crisis. An additional EUR 2.8 million may be added from the third quarter. With this corona support, Utrecht follows a different line than the central government, which will stop all support packages from next month.
The total amount of 5.6 million euros was originally intended for the TONK scheme, but according to the municipality, less use has been made of it than expected. Yet many entrepreneurs are still in trouble.
The municipality also calls on the cabinet to speed up a strategy to help companies that are still in trouble. “Let’s make sure that there is at least a plan to tackle the debts they have built up together with entrepreneurs,” write aldermen Linda Voortman and Klaas Verschuure in a written message from the municipality.
Entrepreneurs with a failing business must also be given the opportunity to take a new step. “And let’s at least ensure that people are not left out in the cold overnight,” said the Utrecht aldermen.
Money for vulnerable Utrecht residents
In addition to the compensation announced by the government due to rising energy costs, the Utrecht college wants to release another 1.5 million euros from 1 July to support the most vulnerable residents in the municipality.
The money will go to the help scheme ‘Ondernemer Centraal’, a counter where Utrecht residents with a company can receive support from experienced entrepreneurs and specialists.