NI microbusiness hardship fund to fill gap in existing support schemes

Announcing the hardship fund aimed at microbusinesses, economy minister Diane Dodds said an estimated 8,000 Northern Ireland businesses will be eligible to apply.

Social enterprises and charities will be able to access the fund if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Mrs Dodds said: “Details on the scheme including eligibility criteria and arrangements for applying will be released next week.

“This fund should mean that around a third of all businesses in Northern Ireland will now be able to access support under the Northern Ireland Covid-19 grant schemes.”

Responding to the announcement of additional funding, UUP economy spokesperson John Stewart said many business owners “are reaching the end of their tether,” and can’t wait any longer for the practical support they need for their business to survive.”

“I have been inundated with messages from business owners who applied for grants weeks ago, now seeking clarity on when their grants will be paid,” he said.

“And when they seek updates using dedicated phonelines they can’t get any information to confirm if or when payments will be made.

“Many of these companies were entitled to the original £10,000 grants and paid their rates by direct debit so there can be no logical reason for delay. As a member of the Economy Committee I have found it incredibly frustrating trying to get information for these business owners.”

Mr Stewart added: “I am asking the Departments for the Economy and Finance to provide a reliable way for businesses to be able to check the progress of these ‘automatic’ payments and on the applications made via the portal.

“These businesses are on their knees. They simply cannot wait any longer. On their behalf please provide some clarity. Far too many companies are still getting radio silence weeks after applying or qualifying automatically for the grants. It certainly isn’t helping many businesses in an increasingly precarious position.”