Compensation voucher for Małopolska SMEs
About this good practice
This solution responded directly to the problem of the negative effects of the lockdown and economic downtime that took place in March-April 2020 in Poland. The economic downtime and lockdown resulted in a reduction in the number of products and services sold, a decrease in revenues and difficulties in maintaining jobs by Małopolska SMEs.
The aim of the project was to support Małopolska SMEs struggling with financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 epidemic in the area of job preservation. Support for Małopolska SMEs based on granting two types of vouchers lines:
a) support for Małopolska SMEs, whose activities have been banned during the lockdown period, such as: gastronomy, event and exhibition industry, culture industry, hairdressing services and other beauty treatments, sports, entertainment and recreation activities, hotel services, etc. – EUR 17,500,000
b) support for Małopolska SMEs, whose activities have not been banned during the lockdown period- EUR 26,500,000
The voucher was granted in the amount of EUR 2,000 per employee (full-time), excluding the owner of the company, in order to maintain the workplace for at least 3 months.
The voucher could obtained for a maximum of 49 full-time positions, excluding the owner. The minimum grant amount was EUR 2,000. The maximum amount is EUR 97,000
The main beneficiaries of the project: Małopolska SMEs facing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources needed
Financial resources- EUR 44 000 000 from Regional Operational Program of Malopolska Region
Evidence of success
This solution allowed to keep jobs in Małopolska, which were at risk due to the effects of the lockdown. Vouchers had great interest. SMEs submitted 3,078 applications. In type A, vouchers were awarded to 1,536 SMEs, and in type B, vouchers were awarded to 1,542 SMEs. The total number of jobs maintained is around 20,000 full time jobs.
Potential for learning or transfer
The solution was an ad hoc form of SMEs support aimed at maintaining jobs, which are an important factor in the economic development of the region. Mechanisms which protect jobs are essential for the economic stability of the region and for maintaining the sustainability of companies. Financial support of entrepreneurs related to the fulfillment of specific requirements is a good mechanism that protects both the company and people. The solution is transferable, relatively simple, one-time, based on hard indicators and results, the solution minimizes the administrative and procedural burden, the solution can be implemented on-line, which is an advantage during a pandemic and epidemiological restrictions. The amount of support (2000 EURO per 3 months) was the average amount of salary in Małopolska and was correlated with the level of economic development. The amount did not exceed the costs of the entrepreneur, and therefore it was a real compensation, and not an unreasonable support.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Malopolska Centre of Entreprenuarship