Capital grants set for Belfast business clusters and community groups

The Business Cluster and Community Grant is open to applicants from any Belfast-based business cluster, community organisation, charity or social enterprise that wishes to carry out environmental improvement projects. The scheme, which first opened in December 2020, has now been extended thanks to an additional £300,000 funding from the Department for Communities’ Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme.

Councillor David Brooks, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “As part of our efforts to stimulate the city during the pandemic, these grants are a welcome boost, helping to regenerate our local areas and, in turn, support businesses. We know that all parts of the city have suffered due to the impact of Covid-19, so we’re really keen to see proposals that will help increase footfall and boost expenditure in local areas. £150,000 of the total budget will be allocated to city centre-based organisations who were unable to apply for the first tranche of the scheme.

“We look forward to receiving proposals for capital projects including public realm improvements, parklets, lighting schemes, shop front enhancements, new street furniture, planters, hand sanitisation stations and other improvements.”

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey added: “As the health pandemic continues to impact on everyone’s lives I am delighted that this grant scheme has been extended. This additional funding will help deliver tangible support in creating a safer environment for all as we continue to meet the challenges of the pandemic.”

Groups and partnerships should visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/funding for more information and email [email protected] to request an application form and guidance notes.

Successful applicants will receive grant funding on a first-come first-served basis until the funding pot has been fully awarded. The deadline for applications is 4pm on February 1 2021.

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