State Secretary Mona Keijzer (Economic Affairs and Climate): “As the economy gradually reopens, better times are coming for entrepreneurs. This is badly needed, as many entrepreneurs have once again had a tough quarter. This is also reflected in the number of applications: it was over a quarter higher than during the previous application period. The cabinet has significantly expanded the Fixed Costs Compensation in the first quarter. This has increased the support, allowing both small entrepreneurs with fewer fixed costs and large companies to make use of the scheme.”
Use of TVL Further Increased
Since the opening of the TVL for entrepreneurs from all sectors, the use of the scheme has increased significantly. The number of applications rose from over 90,000 during the last quarter of 2020 to 113,521 during the first quarter of this year. So far, 91,365 applications for the first quarter have been approved. 11,597 applications have been rejected or withdrawn because they did not meet the requirements. RVO is processing the remaining applications as quickly as possible. 53% of entrepreneurs received the advance within 1 week after application.
The majority of applications for the first quarter of this year were made by entrepreneurs from the hospitality sector (22,371 applications, €417 million allocated), retail (16,532, €367 million allocated), and the wellness sector (13,483, €67 million allocated).
Large Companies
The Fixed Costs Compensation was opened for large companies with more than 250 employees for the first time earlier this month. The TVL Q1 2021 will remain open for large companies until June 10, 2021, allowing them sufficient time to submit an application.
TVL Second Quarter
Starting from the second quarter of this year, entrepreneurs can choose from two quarters for the reference period: the second quarter of 2019 or the third quarter of 2020. This helps entrepreneurs who had no or little revenue in 2019 for various reasons and therefore could not make use of the TVL. The scheme will be adjusted in the coming period to make this possible. The plan is to open the TVL Q2 2021 for SMEs in the second half of June.
Where Can Entrepreneurs Go?
For questions about the corona support and recovery package, businesses and workers can visit rijksoverheid.nl/steunpakket. Entrepreneurs can also visit the website of the Chamber of Commerce for more questions: kvk.nl/corona. If the answer to your question is not there, call the advisory team at 0800 – 2117.