The call for applications for the program has started!
Energy-intensive businesses can count on government aid due to rising electricity and gas prices. The government adopted the aid program on August 8th, and the European Commission finally approved the program on October 6th.
Announcement of the call for applications
The long-awaited call for applications for the program on October 25th Entrepreneurs have 14 days from the program announcement date, i.e., until November 8th, to submit applications for funding and the necessary documents.
Applications for assistance can be submitted electronically via the Funding Application Generator available on the ministry’s website.
Who can apply for assistance?
Enterprises in the energy-intensive industry will be able to apply for funding, including:
a) whose electricity and natural gas costs in 2021 constituted at least 3% of their value of sold production and
b) which obtained at least 50% of their revenue or production value from activities in one or more PKD subclasses included in sections B (mining and quarrying) and C (industrial processing).
What should be attached to the application?
As already indicated earlier, the application for basic assistance must be accompanied by, among others: a certificate of no arrears in the payment of taxes and contributions, a report from the beneficiary, and a report from an independent auditor regarding the assessment of the report in question.
Due to a number of conditions that must be met, as well as the exceptionally short application deadline, many entrepreneurs may have trouble joining the program on time.
Is it worth applying?
The current program's budget is PLN 5.5 billion. Businesses can receive up to EUR 40 million in support. The government estimates that approximately 3,000 energy-intensive businesses affected by significant increases in electricity and gas prices will receive assistance.
When can entrepreneurs count on receiving assistance?
Basic aid will be paid in two rounds – for the first and second half of 2023 in the form of a refund, while increased aid will be paid in the form of an advance payment for the entire year 2023.
Who has already received help?
This is not the first program of its kind, as in 2022, aid was granted to 208 enterprises, including 14 micro and small enterprises, 55 medium-sized enterprises, and 139 large enterprises. In the previous edition of the program, approximately PLN 2.409 billion was allocated to enterprises.
Is this the last call for applications?
No, as announced by the government, the next call for applications for funding for enterprises will start in February 2024. Therefore, there is a real chance of obtaining aid for those enterprises that, for various reasons, will not be able to participate in the already announced October call for applications.
As the above indicates, obtaining funding is entirely possible and highly cost-effective. As a law firm, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire application process and ensure its timely submission.
We cordially invite you to contact us!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal status as of October 26, 2023.
