The Azorean Government has created an additional support measure to encourage the maintenance of regional handicraft companies, whose activity is being directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the closure of facilities, the decrease in the sales of products and the cancellation of markets and fairs directed to this sector. 

This new support measure is yet another regional complement, which, in conjunction with the measures determined at national level, represents an increase of liquidity that will help Azorean artisans facing the most urgent situations.
 
Handicraft companies are fundamental to the Region's economy, providing an active contribution to the richness and diversity of its cultural heritage. In this regard, the Azorean Government is undertaking an additional effort to ensure their sustainability and, consequently, the maintenance of employment in the sector. 

This is another innovative measure with immediate implementation that is part of a wide range of measures already approved and implemented by the Regional Government for immediate support to the economy, employment maintenance and income. Applications may be submitted from today. 

The companies applying for this measure are required to maintain their activity and employment level until the end of 2020. 

In fact, this incentive measure, published today in the Official Journal, consists of non-refundable financial support for handicraft companies, granted for one month, which may be renewed for three months. It corresponds to the monthly payment of 666.75 Euros for each company worker holding an artisan license, issued until February 29, 2020, and managing partners, provided that they have paid Social Security contributions. 

Accordingly, the Regional Government provides another response within the framework of the regional Autonomy that guarantees liquidity support to Azorean handicraft companies, workers and families. 

The application form for this support measure is available on the Regional Centre for Handicrafts (CRAA) website at http://www.artesanato.azores.gov.pt. The form and a copy of the required attachments should be sent to the email [email protected] until the end of June. 

The Azorean Government remains strongly committed to adopting all the measures that prove necessary not only to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to face its social and economic consequences in the Region.