Coronavirus Business Support

This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.

Support scheme	Support organisation
Bounce Back Loan \| UK-wide Government-backed loans for UK-based small and medium-sized businesses ranging from between £2,000 and £50,000.	Accredited lenders
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme \| UK-wide Provides a government guarantee of 80% to enable banks to make loans of up to £25m to firms with an annual turnover of between £45m and £500m.	British Business Bank
£10,000 Grant for Rental Properties & Total NAV of £1,590 or below \| NI only £10,000 Small Business Grant for businesses who are sole tenants of a rental property, or who own and occupy a property with a total NAV of £1,590 or less	Department for the Economy (DfE), Land & Property Services (LPS)
£10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme \| NI only £10,000 grant available to Northern Ireland businesses eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme and businesses with a Total Net Annual Value of £15,000 and below, who currently benefit from Industrial Derating.	Department for the Economy (DfE), Land & Property Services (LPS)
£25,000 Grant for Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Sector Ratepayers \| NI only £25,000 grant for Northern Ireland companies in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors with a Total Net Annual Value between £15,001 and £51,000.	Department for the Economy (DfE), Land & Property Services (LPS)
Artists Emergency Programme \| NI only Award of up to £5,000 to support individual artists, creative practitioners and performers.	Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Sports Hardship Fund \| NI-only £2,000 small grant scheme for sports clubs and sporting organisations from the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. NOTE: Sport Northern Ireland has suspended new applications to the Sports Hardship Fund pending confirmation of additional funding.	Sport NI
Future Fund \| UK-wide Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.	British Business Bank
Business Rates Holiday \| NI only Three-month rates holiday for Northern Ireland non-domestic ratepayers (excluding public sector and utilities).	Land & Property Services (LPS)
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate \| UK-wide The UK government is to bring forward legislation to allow small and medium-sized businesses to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for staff sickness absence due to coronavirus.	HMRC
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) \| UK-wide Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships can claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for 3 months.	HMRC
Support for Businesses Paying Tax\| UK-wide All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service.	HMRC
Deferral of Self- Assessment Payment \| UK-wide The Self- Assessment payment on account, that is ordinarily due to be paid to HMRC by 31 July 2020 may now be deferred until January 2021.	HMRC
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme \| UK-wide The temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) supports small and medium-sized businesses with access to loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million and for up to six years.	British Business Bank
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme \| UK-wideGovernment will cover 80 per cent of business staff wages, up to £2,500 per employee per month.	HMRC
VAT Deferral \| UK-wide The UK government will defer Valued Added Tax (VAT) payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. VAT refunds and reclaims will be paid by the government as normal.	HMRC
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility \| UK-wide The new Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) means that the Bank of England will buy short-term debt from larger companies.	Bank of England

As more businesses become affected by COVID-19, there are various resources to help all businesses online. You can find out more at the links below.*

General COVID-19 Related Advice and Support

NI Business Info	General information on related business support, including answers to FAQs on managing staff health, pay, leave and absence, business operations and finance. Also includes a Coronavirus News section with full information and support to help manage the imapct of COVID-19 in your business. www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk
Public Health Agency	Guidance for businesses and employers on support available, as well as poster resources to use on site to help with communications to employees.
The Executive Office	The most recent announcements from The Executive Office are detailed on its news section, which provides details and links to various schemes etc.
HMRC	Guidance for businesses on tax. The helpline allows any business or self-employed individual who is concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus to get practical help and advice. Time To Pay Helpline: 0800 0159 559 Income Tax Payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021.
Federation for Small Businesses	Advice and guidance on reducing the risks from the Coronavirus to you and your business targeted at small businesses and the self-employed.
UK Government Advice	Advice and support for businesses from the UK Government. It includes details of support packages available to businesses due to COVID-19.
Invest NI	Invest NI provide advice and support through its NI Business Info web site. Invest NI’s business support team is also available on 0800 181 4422.
Tourism NI	Tourism NI are providing targeted advice and support for businesses operating in the Tourism sector through their website, as well as a dedicated COVID-19 Business Support Helpline on 028 9592 5313 (Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm).
Federation of Master Builders	The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) provide advice and support for businesses in the construction industry and its workforce. As well as a dedicated section on their website, members make use of their advice services by telephoning the FMB Helpline on 0116 243 7623 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm).
Guidance for Food Businesses	Guidance and advice for food businesses/operators including best practice on food hygiene, managing employee sickness, social distancing and specific situations.
Hospitality Ulster	Information available online to assist members with legal advice including e.g. furloughing and job retention schemes. Please contact 07736 284 764 for further advice.
NI Hotels Federation	The Federation has been working across many strands to assist members with the Coronavirus situation. This has included producing a Toolkit of advice, lobbying for business relief and support and engaging with marketing agencies to prepare for a resumption of normal business.
Arts and Business NI Engagement Seed Fund	As part of their Investment Programme, Arts & Business NI have designated a £15,000 seed fund to support arts organisations and individual practitioners.
Social Enterprise NI	A source of information focusing on social enterprise business and organisation support during COVID19.
HSENI COVID-19 Update	Information for employers on health and safety matters in response to COVID-19 and HSENI contact details. The HSENI has also produced an example risk assessment which shows the kind of approach HSENI expects a small business or workplace to take when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19 in the workplace.
NI Chamber COVID-19 Information Hub	This hub provides up-to-date information on business support schemes available from the government, advice and guidance on internal HR issues, such as sick pay, and the work NI Chamber is doing with government to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses make it through this crisis.
Enterprise Nation	This page is to keep small businesses updated of government moves, support schemes for small business, and pro-active advice on how to keep trading through the epidemic. You can also access topical podcasts and ask advisers your specific questions.
Matrix NI	Coronavirus is causing significant issues in the science & tech sectors in NI. This is a regularly updated list of resources and available support, plus offers and requests for help.
Essential businesses and services to remain open.	The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed new powers to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The regulations came into effect at 11.00 pm on Saturday 28 March and provide clarity on what retail services and other venues may remain open in Northern Ireland and which should close immediately. The link takes you to a list of essential and non-essential businesses and sevices.
PSNI Crime Prevention Unit	The PSNI Crime Prevention unit has produced updated national crime prevention advice for retailers and business owners during the current emergency.
Emergency Volunteering Leave	A new, temporary, statutory right is available for eligible workers to take Emergency Volunteering Leave to help the Health and Social Care system in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Department for Communities	If you are an employer and you require help to advertise job vacancies or have queries relating to the services available for employers you can phone the DfC Employers Services helplines or alternatively you can email: dfc.employerservices@nissa.gsi.gov.ukHelplines: 02382 376 692 or 028 9053 9458

Financial Assistance

Rates Relief	There will be a three month rates holiday for all business ratepayers, excluding public sector and utilities. The Small Business Rate Relief scheme will be continued in 2020-21. The rates of relief and thresholds for eligibility have not changed. The Hardship Rate Relief scheme is available for non-domestic ratepayers who have been affected by exceptional circumstances. The Executive budget announced on 31 March also includes a reduction in business rates. For more information visit NIbusinessinfo.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme	The government will pay a grant to cover 80% of furloughed workers wage costs up to a cap of £2,500 per employee per month.
Deferment of VAT Payment	VAT payments for all UK businesses will be automatically deferred for 3 months for payments that would otherwise arise during the period from 20 March – 30 June 2020.
Business Interruption Loan Scheme	CBILS is a new scheme, announced by The Chancellor at Budget 2020, that can provide facilities of up to £5m for smaller businesses across the UK who are experiencing lost or deferred revenues, leading to disruptions to their cashflow.
Department for the Economy (DfE)	Business Support Grant Schemes: The Northern Ireland Executive has announced two grants will be available to local businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Businesses in Northern Ireland will be able to access the following schemes: COVID Small Business Grant – A grant of £10,000 for all small businesses who are eligible for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme (ie all businesses with a NAV up to £15,000). Open from Thursday 26 March 2020. For info visit NI Business Info or contact the LPS Small Business Grant Scheme Helpline on 0300 200 7809. Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Sectors Grant Scheme – An immediate grant of £25,000 for companies in these sectors with a rateable value from £15,000 up to £51,000. Businesses that wish to offer their services to the DfE during the pandemic can email assistance@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk in the first instance.
Department for Finance	Business Rates Advice and Support – grants available to businesses eligible for Small Business Rates Relief.
COVID Corporate Finance Funding (CCFF) Programme for Large Companies	Assessed through the Bank of England administered scheme, the BoE purchases commercial paper from companies on similar terms to those prevailing prior to COVID-19 crisis.
Self-emploment Income Support Scheme	The Government have announced a range of measures to support those who are self-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme will allow self-employed individuals and members of partnerships to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund	The Prince’s Countryside Fund is inviting applications for emergency funding from farming and rural community support groups, who are providing assistance to counter the effects of isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Heritage Emergency Fund	The £50m fund from The National Heritage Lottery Fund will be available for grants of between £3,000 and £50,000. It is available to organisations across the full breadth of heritage, including historic sites, industrial and maritime heritage, museums, libraries and archives, parks and gardens, landscapes and nature.

Other related information for businesses

Ventilator Readiness – Call to engineering firms	The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is looking for organisations who can support in the supply of ventilators and ventilator components across the United Kingdom as part of the Government’s response to COVID-19
EU Horizon 2020 Funding Extended	Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. Applications are now extended until 15 April 2020.
Companies House Accounts Filing Extension	From 25 March 2020 businesses will be able to apply for a 3 month extension for filing their accounts. This joint initiative between the government and Companies House will mean businesses can prioritise managing the impact of Coronavirus.
TechForce19 Innovation Funding	NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution. applications close 1 April 2020.
UKRI Research and Innovation Opportunity	UKRI have announced an open call for research and innovation ideas to address COVID-19. Proposals are invited for short term projects addressing and mitigating the health, social, economic and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
UK Government Request for Business Support in response to COVID-19	Businesses can use this service to tell the UK Government how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus (for example, with the manufacture of medical testing equipement, PPE for healthworkers, expertise in ICT, communications and other business areas, or provision of hotel rooms).

*Last updated Thursday 2 April 2020 .

❗️Temporary Closure❗️

In line with the current Government advice, Cookstown Enterprise Centre will be temporarily closed from 23rd March 2020.

Staff are working remotely and can still be contacted by calling 028 86763660 or emailing info@cookstownenterprise.com

Please note access for tenant companies will continue as normal.

Stay Safe Everyone and Stay At Home!

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Cookstown Enterprise Centre is fully aware of the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak and the sense of anxiety, fear & uncertainty on our health and welfare of the business community. These are tough times & we need to be vigilant.

We will continue to monitor and use advice and guidance from the Government, The Northern Ireland Executive, The World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency Northern Ireland to limit or prevent the spread of Covid 19 Corona Virus.

Appropriate precautions are being taken and good practice is being applied to ensure that the health and wellbeing of our directors, staff, tenant businesses, customers and other visitors is protected as far as possible.

Information notices on Covid 19 and prevention of its spread are prominently displayed throughout the building as well as reminders advising regular hand washing and sanitizing using the numerous sanitizing dispensers located in every department of the offices, conference rooms and communal areas.

We will continue to monitor the situation and we will be following the latest advice from government and health professionals.

We appreciate your co-operation and understanding during this time.

5th February 2020 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Thinking of starting a business or becoming self-employed? Start here – meet like minded people and business advisors ready to support you.

About this Event

DROP IN INFORMATION SESSION

Call in to our FREE drop in information evening Wednesday 05th February 2020 anytime between 5.00pm – 7pm to meet the local business advisors in your area and to find out more about how Go for it can help you to drive your business idea forward.

The Go For It programme provides individuals in Northern Ireland who are thinking of starting a business, with step by step advice and mentoring.

The programme focuses on guidance to help you produce your own business plan, which is often described as a ‘roadmap’ to success for the first few years in business.

Empower yourself with the information you need to take the next steps and drive your business dream forward.

And remember we’re for any business ideas. Big or small.

Go for it is a free programme open to individuals over 16 years of age. Individuals aged between 16 and 18 are eligible to participate but will require parental/guardian approval. However if the individual is aged 16-18 and is still in full-time education they will be ineligible to participate in the Go for it programme but we can signpost to other organisations. The Go for it programme is open to new businesses or businesses trading 6 months or less in Northern Ireland.

Cookstown Enterprise Centre recently made its annual Christmas donation to two locally based charities.

This year Cookstown Enterprise donated £250 to Club Angels Cookstown and £250 to O40 Cookstown. This was in lieu of sending Christmas cards.

Trevor Wilson Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre presents a cheque to Eileen McGuckin representing Club Angels Cookstown. Jim Eastwood General Manager of Cookstown Enterprise Centre is also pictured.

Trevor Wilson Chairman of Cookstown Enterprise Centre presents a cheque to Margaret Gilbert, Chair of O40 Cookstown. Also pictured is Jim Eastwood General Manager Cookstown Enterprise Centre.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Trevor Wilson Chairman and Jim Eastwood General Manager of Cookstown Enterprise Centre present a £250 cheque donation to Margaret Gilbert, O40 Cookstown and Eileen McGuckin of Club Angels Cookstown.

Mid Ulster District Council and partners are holding their first ever Enterprise Week from 18-22 November 2019.

There’s over 25 quality business events taking place throughout the district during the course of the week.

These events are suitable for businesses from all sectors and sizes, from start-up through to growth.

Mid Ulster businesses are encouraged to come along and benefit from the wide range of FREE events being held on their doorstep.

Download your full programme of events taking place during Mid Ulster Enterprise Week (18-22 Nov 2019)
Click on the link to register to attend >> www.midulstercouncil.org/enterpriseweek

Cookstown Enterprise Centre

“Your Business Matters“

Are you a new or existing business?

Want to avail of our monthly “Business Advice” Drop in Clinic?

Free & confidential informal appointments available.

Discuss your general business matters with topics such as finance options, employment, marketing etc.

Everyone Welcome.

For further information please contact us on 028 8676 3660 or email info@cookstownenterprise.com

Title:	Brexit Drop In
Date:	1st October 2019, 8.30am – 12.30pm
Venue:	Cookstown Enterprise Centre
Price:	FREE

About the Event

InterTradeIreland in conjunction with Cookstown Enterprise Centre, are hosting an information session allowing local businesses to avail of a one-to-one consultation with a subject matter experts on issues in the areas of customs, tax, supply chain and logistics to prepare for different trading procedures post Brexit.

Businesses can also chat with the InterTradeIreland staff to avail of the practical advice and supports available. Attendees can apply for Brexit support vouchers, check product tariffs , avail of online learning on ‘Brexit & Beyond’ and get general advice.

Call in for a chat and see how InterTradeIreland can support your business.

We are now recruiting for our Exploring Enterprise Programme!

It is a FREE programme which provides an insight into starting a business or allows you to take the first steps towards gaining employment.

You will work towards attaining a CCEA Level 1 Qualification in “Understanding Business Enterprise” whilst gaining new skills in: *Marketing * Financial Planning * CV Design / Development * Job Search.

This is an Enterprise Northern Ireland initiative which is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020, the Department for the Economy, Local Enterprise Agencies and Mid Ulster District Council.

If you, or some-one you know is studying or working less than 16 hours per week and would like a helping hand to improve their employment prospects as well as exploring potential self-employment options then this course is for you.

Limited spaces available. Register your interest by calling Shauna on 028 8676 3660 or email shauna@cookstownenterprise.com