Support for the newly self-employed in NI

Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced the launch of a Covid-19 support scheme for the newly self-employed worth £10 million.

Dodds, said: “I am pleased to be able to announce this new support scheme which will help thousands more businesses in need across Northern Ireland.

“It will provide financial support to newly self-employed individuals whose business is adversely impacted by Covid and who have not been able to access support from the UK government’s self-Employed Income Support Scheme.”

Am I eligible?

The Newly Self-Employed Support Scheme will be open to self-employed people (sole traders and those in partnerships) who commenced trading as “self-employed” between 6th April 2019 and 5th April 2020 who can demonstrate that their business has been adversely impacted by Covid-19.

Their trading profits for 2019/20 must be below £50,000 and over 50% of their income must be from self-employment. The scheme will close to applications at 6pm on 7th January 2021.

How can I apply?

For more information on the criteria, entry requirements and to start the application process, click here.