Micro-business Hardship Fund closes to applications on Friday

Economy Minister Diane Dodds has urged eligible businesses to apply for the NI Micro-business Hardship Fund before it closes to applications at 6pm on Friday. (June 12)

The scheme is for businesses with one to nine employees facing immediate cash flow difficulties due to Covid-19 – including eligible social enterprises.

The Minister said:

"This fund will provide much-needed support to micro-businesses so I would urge any business owners who think they may be eligible to apply before the closing date.

"This short term financial support will be vital for many businesses as we work towards the recovery of the Northern Ireland economy."

The level of Hardship Fund grant will be up to £10,000 for businesses which pay business rates on premises and up to £5,000 for those that do not pay business rates. Businesses within each category will receive the same amount.

To be eligible, businesses must have experienced a reduction in turnover in excess of 40 per cent since 1 March 2020 as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic or associated government restrictions.

For eligible businesses which are social enterprises without charitable status, at least 60 per cent of their revenue must come from trade in goods and/or services.

Invest Northern Ireland is assessing applications, undertaking appropriate checks and processing payments.

Notes to editors: 

1. An eligibility checker, further information and Frequently Asked Questions are available at the Coronavirus: NI Micro-business Hardship Fund page of the nibusinessinfo website
2. Follow us on Twitter @Economy_NI 
3. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on: pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk.
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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