As part of the measures already approved by the Regional Government towards more urgent and immediate support for the economy and the maintenance of employment, the application period for the allocation of support will open Monday, March 30. 

In order to immediately support companies in guaranteeing liquidity for the payment of workers' salaries, the Regional Government has already implemented, through Resolution no.70 of 2020, the measure of urgent support to the companies' treasury for the payment of salaries in sectors of economic activity that had to suspend or substantially reduce their activities during the month of March. 

Under this measure, the Regional Government will directly allocate financial support, in the form of a reimbursable advance payment, to companies from the sectors of activity that registered a significant reduction. The amount will correspond to 90% of the minimum wage per worker in order to ensure the payment of workers' salaries in April. 

This immediate support to the liquidity of companies will be transformed into non-refundable support, in the form of a non-refundable subsidy, if companies maintain their employment levels until the end of the year. It may also be repaid after companies receive aid from the lines of credit created for that purpose. 

This anticipated liquidity measure will help companies meeting staff costs, besides being a strong incentive for the maintenance of their workers. 

This measure is aimed at sectors of activity that are already suspended or registering substantial reduction in their activity, namely trade, with the exception of food trade, tourism sector, complementary activities to tourism, hotels and restaurants, and other service sectors.

As the first tangible measure to support the liquidity of companies and maintain employment that applies only to the Azores, it will provide Azorean companies with additional support to that implemented nationwide. 

This is a first step as the Regional Government will be permanently following the uncertain evolution of this situation in the certainty that we will do everything within the reach of our resources and our powers to mitigate its effects. We will overcome the challenges that lie ahead with determination and responsibility, and with all Azoreans.