New grant scheme to help businesses outside town centres

It will help deliver measures that provide a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors, shoppers and workers in business premises located outside town centres.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “Businesses which are located outside town centre boundaries now have the welcome opportunity to apply for funding to help them put enhanced safety measures in place to allow them to operate in line with public health guidelines.

“I would encourage as many eligible businesses in our borough to familiarise themselves with this latest grant support scheme. Council’s Grants Team are on hand to offer advice and assistance with any queries, so please do get in touch.”

Edwin Poots MLA, DAERA Minister, said: “The impact of the pandemic on rural towns and villages as a retail destination has been unprecedented in recent decades.

“I am delighted that this additional tranche of funding is being used to deliver more medium term interventions which will provide a safe environment for visitors, shoppers and workers within villages and rural towns.

“It is very important that the Executive, in partnership with local councils, provides assistance to businesses and helps to revitalise our rural settlements at this time.”

Applications for grants can cover a wide variety of expenditure, including PPE equipment, internal social distancing measures, signage, contactless payment or app development for booking systems, upgrades to shop frontage, awnings/canopies, outdoor furniture, heaters, queueing systems, PA/tannoy systems and digital screens.

The scheme opens today will run until Monday, December 7, or earlier if the available funds are allocated. The budget is limited and funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Apply via the link: https://mea.eformz.info/ or for further information email [email protected]