Covid-19: Support for Companies Undergoing Hardship

Measures to help companies impacted by the health crisis related to the Covid-19 epidemic have been implemented.  

Due to the health crisis, economic activity is moving in slow motion. Some "basic necessity" sectors are still doing business: agri-food, hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, etc. Other sectors are, too: public services, delivery companies, transporters, public works companies, etc.   

For companies currently in difficulty, forced to close or reduce the number of employees, a measure for "short-time working" or partial activity has been implemented. The Regional Directorate for Enterprises, Competition, Consumer Affairs, Labor and Employment (DIRECCTE) has reinforced its special unit dealing with these requests. 

Steps may also be taken regarding social and tax matters by contacting the Social Security (URSAAF) and Tax Offices for Companies and the Self-Employed.  
For more info: www.economie.gouv.fr/coronavirus-soutien-entreprises

DIRECCTE: na.gestion-crisedireccte.gouv.fr  /  +33(0)556 999 650

Strategic Fund for Companies 

The Nouvelle Aquitaine Region is launching an exceptional €50-million scheme for businesses. Within this framework, it will contribute €20 million to the national solidarity fund co-managed by the National and Regional governments for the benefit of very small businesses affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. By the end of the month, businesses with a turnover of less than €250,000 will receive an automatic flat-rate aid of €1500.

A new budget for 10 million loans will be added to the so-called ‘prêt Rebond’ loans, managed by the public investment bank (Bpifrance). The Region is also releasing an emergency loan of €15 million to help regional businesses not eligible for these schemes to make it through the crisis.

A regional support fund of at least €5 million will directly support subsidized associations in the fields of culture, sports and the social and solidarity-based economy.

In close cooperation with the network of Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Chambers of Trade and specialized associations, the Region will set up a helpline and watch unit to provide individual assistance to company directors. A virtual follow-up platform will be set up with banks, government departments, the Region, Bpifrance and the Banque de France.

For more info: https://entreprises.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr/

Bayonne-Pays Basque CCI in Tune with Needs  

Like the 13 other Chambers of Commerce & Industry in Nouvelle Aquitaine, the Bayonne-Pays Basque CCI has set up a crisis unit to help business managers in their dealings with governmental services (URSSAF, Tax, Employment Office, etc.) and inform them about government measures (short-time working, URSSAF, tax rebates, etc.). The crisis unit can be reached via:  
- a contact form in order to be called back by a CCI adviser: bit.ly/2U6y1ki  
- a specific e-mail address: covid19bayonne.cci.fr 
- Tel: +33(0)559.465.946

The Bayonne-Pays Basque Chamber of Commerce & Industry also offers customized information regarding the Government support measures: https://www.bayonne.cci.fr/Actualites-CCI/Coronavirus-mesures-de-soutien-de-l-etat.html 

Last but not least, the CCI will collect data from surveys conducted throughout the region to measure the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 outbreak and pass on the expectations.

Contact: jean-luc.lamourenouvelle-aquitaine.cci.fr