Up to 3,000 Irish micro businesses can now progress their application for an emergency Coronavirus grant.
Diane Dodds, Economy Minister confirmed a new online portal went live on Thursday (30th April 2020), more than a month after the £10,000 grant scheme was launched.
Rates for premises with a rateable value of below £1,590 are paid of landlords.
The officials at Land and Property Services (LPS) said that more information was needed to vet the applications. This is so the grant would be paid to the actual business rather than the landlord.
Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said the trade body had lobbied strongly for micro businesses.
“Across our members’ stores we have a significant number of micro businesses, such as butchers who rent counters from them.
“These grants will be of considerable help to them and many other small businesses occupying a rental property, which are struggling in this crisis.”
It was confirmed by Ms Dodds that 18,508 payments had already been issued under the £10,000 small business support scheme.
It was also announced that 263 payments have been issued for the larger £25,000 grant for retail, hospitality and tourism businesses.
The deadline for both schemes is May 20.
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