The Azorean Support Programme for Individual Entrepreneurs (PAAENI), an extraordinary measure created by the Regional Government in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has already ensured the maintenance of 898 jobs for 571 individual companies.
 
“Under this programme, 571 applications from individual entrepreneurs have already been approved, covering the months of April, May and June,” announced the Vice-President of the Government. 

PAAENI is yet another regional complement, which, in conjunction with the measures determined at national level, represents a further boost of liquidity that will help individual entrepreneurs in the Azores facing the most urgent situations. 

Sérgio Ávila stressed that “individual entrepreneurs play a decisive role in the development of the Region.” According to him, “the Regional Government has undertaken an additional effort, making this new support measure available with a view to guaranteeing their sustainability and, consequently, maintaining employment.” 

The Vice-President recalled that, recently, the Government has decided to extend the deadline for the submission of applications and application renewals under the Azorean Support Programme for Individual Entrepreneurs until October 31. This measure is aimed at entrepreneurs whose income is derived exclusively from business activity. 

“This measure provides support to individual entrepreneurs who register a drop in sales over 40%, which should be proven in view of the same period of the previous year,” stated Sérgio Ávila. In this regard, he emphasised that “the entrepreneurs based on the PAEAN islands of Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Corvo will have the possibility of benefiting from the support granted under this measure if they see a reduction in turnover of only 20%." 

The non-refundable support, granted for one month with the possibility of renewal, consists of the payment of 120% of the regional minimum wage, deducted from the support allocated by the Social Security, with beneficiary entrepreneurs being required to maintain their activity and the level of employment until the end of the year.

Applications and renewals under the PAAENI programme should be made through the appropriate form available at http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/vp-draic/textoTabela/Apoios_SurtoCOVID19.htm and sent to the email [email protected] until October 31.