Checks are reportedly still being carried out to see if any abuses have occurred, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Lex Delles said on Tuesday morning. So far, incorrect data have only been found in individual cases. The Directorate-General for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises is said to be in contact with the companies concerned, which will eventually have to repay the aid.
In 2021, the number of small and medium-sized enterprises that applied for an “establishment permit” reached a new all-time high, with an increase of about 12% compared to 2020. The majority of the 12,600 applications were registered in the trade sector. It should also be noted that slightly more men than women opened a business.
