Alex Trelinski
STRUGGLING bars and restaurants are among businesses on the Costa Blanca and the Valencian Community who will be able to get cash help from a new source,
The COVID Cooperation Fund was launched today(January 12) by Valencian President, Ximo Puig.
He said that €120 million would be made available to the most-hit sectors covering hospitality, hotels, leisure, culture and tourism.
The aim is to help 33,000 businesses and self-employed people weather the economic storm caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement came after local bar and restaurant associations Apeha, Alroa and Ara demanded a rescue plan from Ximo Puig.
They claimed that €75 million is needed for hospitality solely in Alicante Province to survive the pandemic crisis.
A threat was made to launch a series of protests if they did not hear anything from Puig by next Monday(January 18).
Over the new fund, Puig said: “No viable business will have to close as a result of this aid.”
Businesses wanting money will be able to apply to their local council for a grant.
50% of the cash for the fund will come from the Valencian Government, with 20% each from individual councils and the three Provincial bodies in the Valencian Community.
No specific details were given as to when applications can start being made or what the exact criteria is to qualify for money.
