Council’s Small Business Grant supports over 250 local businesses

June 3, 2021

Over the last year, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) has been working behind the scenes to support local businesses through its Small Business Grant Scheme. Over £180,000 has been issued to date, benefitting over 250 local businesses in Lisburn, Dundonald and Carryduff.

The Small Business Grant was launched as part of the Department for Communities’ (DfC) Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme, to support towns and city centres in their recovery.

Grant assistance of between £500 and £2,000 was available per business to purchase equipment and materials that would help provide a safe environment for customers and staff.   The funding was used to purchase screens, PPE equipment and outdoor seating as well as to undertake minor works that would create a safer environment for everyone.  

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “My Department introduced the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme to support the recovery of our towns and city centres. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has received over £1million through the programme and I am pleased to see that so many businesses across the council area have received support to implement  the necessary measures to reopen safely for their customers and workers.  Measures like these will, I hope, encourage people back into our towns and city centres and ultimately contribute to their long term viability and prosperity.” 

Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, Chair of the council’s Development Committee, said: “The Small Business Grant Scheme has supported many businesses across the council area and I’d like to thank the Regeneration Team for all their hard work in administering the grants.

“I’ve visited some of the businesses that received funding and the money has been well spent. It has been beneficial in helping business owners meet operational challenges and implementing additional safety measures.”

Martin Hutchinson, owner of Glasshouse Coffee in Lisburn Square, received the Small Business Grant. He commented: “The grant has been really beneficial for my business. We were able to purchase extra outdoor furniture and it helped towards completing a fresh new refurbishment inside the Glasshouse.

“We’ve redesigned the space, increasing capacity while allowing for better social distancing to help provide our customers with a safer and more comfortable café.”