Applications for Part A of the new Covid Restrictions Business Support scheme have opened, providing support for businesses forced to close due the lockdown.
If your business has been in financial difficulty due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, there is new financial support available to help pay staff who are unable to work. The new Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme is split into two parts, with the support available depending on whether your business has been forced to close by law or is just unable to operate at full capacity.
To be eligible for Part A of the scheme, a business must have been forced to close by law under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, which includes bars and clubs. Businesses forced to close under local lockdown restrictions don't qualify for this support as they already qualify for for the Local Restrictions Support Scheme.
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Qualifying companies can apply online to receive a grant equivalent to £600 for each week the restrictions are in place, paid as a lump sum. To check whether your business is eligible for Part A of the support, or to fill in the form to apply for support, head over to www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/crbss.
Other businesses which are not forced to close by law can take advantage of Part B of the scheme, which will open soon and have its full details released.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: "I want to be able to support as many viable businesses and organisations as possible. The Covid Restrictions Business Support Scheme aims to help those businesses facing hardship as a result of the current Health Protection Regulations, including those, such as self-employed sole traders, that may not have been covered by previous schemes."
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"Part A of the scheme [...] is targeted at those businesses required to close/cease trading as a result of the recent Health Protection Regulations and are not eligible for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme. Examples of businesses that may be eligible for Part A of the scheme include businesses that deliver their product or service on a mobile basis or operate from their home, or their customers’ homes; for example a driving instructor or mobile hairdresser or beautician."
Source: Written based on press release
