COVID-19 Micro Business E-commerce Grant – 26/02/2021

The COVID-19 Micro Business E-commerce Grant was established by Invest NI and is available for any micro-business retailers (employing less than 10 people) who want to prepare for the growth and development of their company by expanding their customer base or online sales via e-commerce. 

 

About the E-commerce Grant 

Eligible businesses will be able to receive a maximum grant of £5,000 towards up to 80% of their eligible costs. Projects must have a minimum of £1,250 of eligible expenditure. 

There a several eligible activities that the scheme covers, which include: 

  • Developing a new e-commerce strategy 
  • Developing or enhancing your e-commerce online presence to drive sales 
  • Improving digital marketing capabilities of employees in the business 
  • Improving integration and automation with existing e-commerce systems 

The Micro Business E-commerce Grant is issued to all eligible businesses on a firstcome, firstserve basis. 

 

Eligibility 

To become eligible for the new scheme, please ensure the following apply: 

  • Your business operates in Northern Ireland 
  • You are a micro-sized business, trading for at least two years and employing less than 10 full time staff in Northern Ireland 
  • You are able to complete your project, pay your supplier and make a claim within the next 6 months 
  • The project you are carrying out is not receiving additional public funding 
  • Your business has physical retail premises in Northern Ireland (High street shop) 
  • Your business has existing online presence 

 

See below for the examples where businesses are unable to apply: 

  • Any business involved in the primary sector of business (aquaculture, fisheries, agricultural products) 
  • Any business involved providing a service such as mechanics and tyre fitting services, grooming and beauty services, hair salons, travel agents, dental and veterinary services, accountancy, legal and financial services 
  • Any business providing for hospitality and leisure (Pubs, Restaurants) 

 

How to apply 

Please follow the link below to begin your application process. All requirements to make an application are listed within the external link. 

https://www.investni.com/micro-business-e-commerce-grant