Split announces new measures to help support local businesses

The new measures are meant to help the city’s economy survive amidst the constantly shifting circumstances of the pandemic

In an effort to stay ahead of the curve and stave off the worst of the economic crisis, cities across Europe have been implementing their own measures meant to help their local economies brave the storm. As the country teeters on the brink and with the COVID-19 situation constantly developing, the Croatian city of Split has announced new measures that are meant to protect entrepreneurs as central authorities take different measures that adversely impact them.

Acting fast during turbulent times

The new measures are based on the recommendations of the independent Financial and Economic Team of Mayor Andro Opara and are coordinated with the Professional Group of Catering Activities of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce of the Split County Chamber, the Association of Craftsmen Split and the Association of Split Catering. They are divided into two packages and apply to entrepreneurs who work all year round.

The first package of measures refers to the period in which certain activities were closed based on the decision of central authorities between 28 November and 21 December. Just like earlier in spring when they were also forced to shut down, this new closure also exempts business premises owned by the City of Split, shelters and tenants of public spaces from paying rent.

The second package of measures refers to the period from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021 and depending on the decline in revenue, deductions will be granted for the payment of rent for business premises, shelters and tenants of public areas, according to the following formulae:

• Entrepreneurs with a turnover drop of 30 to 50% will be granted a 30% reduction
• Entrepreneurs with a turnover drop of 51 to 70% will be granted a 50% reduction
• Entrepreneurs with a turnover drop of more than 71% will be granted a 70% reduction.

All these measures to mitigate the negative effect of the pandemic on the economy are a continuation of the ones proposed in April by the independent Financial and Economic Team and adopted by Mayor Andro Opara and the City Council of Split.

Furthermore, it has also been decided that, in case of reopening on 21 December and improvement of epidemiological conditions, the price of parking in the city centre will be reduced to 1 kuna.