Expansion of the TOGS scheme: non-food entrepreneurs can also apply

Note: the date of this news item is March 28, 2020. Read the current information about the Dutch approach and measures against the coronavirus.

Minister Eric Wiebes and State Secretary Mona Keijzer (EZK) decided this based on the applications for TOGS submitted since Friday and the recent acute negative developments in store revenues. These are exceptional times with major consequences for entrepreneurs. That is why the cabinet said at the announcement of the Emergency Package for jobs and the economy that this package will never stand still. Entrepreneurs in the non-food sector may remain open, but see their income drop sharply due to the necessity of social distancing. Because they are hard hit, we are expanding the scheme, said the EZK officials.

Through the TOGS scheme, entrepreneurs can receive a one-time net compensation of 4,000 euros to pay their fixed costs, such as rent of a business premises. For ongoing personnel costs, the cabinet has taken other measures that are also part of the Emergency Package for jobs and the economy. On https://www.rvo.nl/subsidie-en-financieringswijzer/tegemoetkoming-schade-covid-19/vastgestelde-sbi-codes the list of branches and sectors will be updated on Monday, March 30.

Entrepreneurs entitled to the TOGS scheme but registered under a different so-called SBI code in the Trade Register can report this to the implementing organization RVO.nl.

Wiebes and Keijzer state: If entrepreneurs risk falling between the cracks due to incorrect registration, we will consider it on a case-by-case basis. That flexibility exists. Again: these are exceptional and tough times, so we do what is necessary.