SFA calls for €600m aid fund

THE Small Firms Association (SFA) has called for the establishment of a €600 million fund aimed at providing grant aid to the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector as more companies struggle with rising business costs.

The aid would only go to companies that have the proven capacity to grow but whose survival is threatened by excessive day-to-day business costs and currency exchange difficulties.

Also on the SFA’s latest wish list for government-led initiatives is a state guarantee scheme for bank loans to SMEs. The body is also calling on the Government to pay its own bills to small businesses within 10 days, in order to help companies with their cash flow.