AQW 3967/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 01/05/2020
Answered On Date: 14/05/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she intends to provide assistance to social enterprises in Northern Ireland that cannot avail of any of the current COVID-19 business support measures, including a timetable for action.

Answer:

The Small Business Support Grant is open to all businesses who are in receipt of either Small Business Rates Relief or Industrial Derating. If a Social Enterprise receives Charitable Exemption or another form of exemption they are not eligible to apply for this grant.

Social Enterprises that have a Total Net Annual Value of between £15,001 and £51,000 are eligible to apply for the £25,000 Business Support Grant for the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors, subject to some exclusions.

The Executive has approved an additional £40 million for a Hardship Fund which is aimed at microbusinesses who do not qualify for the existing schemes and require financial support. Social Enterprises can apply for this fund if they meet the eligibility criteria. Further details including eligibility and application arrangements will be announced in the week commencing 11 May 2020.