LOCAL Retail, hospitality and cultural businesses who haven’t yet availed of Business Recovery and Revitalisation grants can now apply for the scheme’s second round of funding.
Grants of between £500 and £3000 are available to tailor businesses to meet the public health advice to reduce the spread of the Covid 19 virus and encourage customers to return.
Derry City and Strabane District Council have been allocated £155k from the Department of Communities for the grants which can be applied for through Council’s website.
The funding can be spent on enhancements to assist with social distancing, installing digitisation systems, shop frontage changes, outdoor furniture and heaters and hand sanitising stations.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, welcomed the second tranche which he said can help increase trade for local businesses and reinvigorate the local economy.
“This year has presented unprecedented challenges for local businesses in creating a safe environment for both customers and employees,” he said.
“This funding will go some way to meeting the costs of tailoring businesses to reduce the spread of the virus and renew customer confidence.
“The positive news in recent weeks around the roll out of a vaccine means local businesses can look forward to 2021 and beyond with renewed confidence and this funding can play a key role in stimulating recovery and reinvigorating the local economy.”
Announcing the additional funding, Communities Minister Caral Ní Chuilín, added: “This is undoubtedly a difficult time for our high streets.
“I introduced this programme as a way to deliver tangible support to businesses and councils and I am pleased to be able to announce this further funding today which brings the total investment in this programme to £19.3m.
“I have worked closely with Executive colleagues and Councils to ensure that this collaborative programme addresses the needs of citizens and businesses to create a safer environment for all.
“The grant schemes offered by councils through this Programme have proved very popular with businesses.
“This new funding will allow additional businesses to create a more COVID-secure experience for shoppers and workers alike.”
Further information and application details are available at: www.derrystrabane.com/recovery
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday January 22, 2021.
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