Only a small number of applications from town centre businesses to various Local Economy Strategy Schemes have been declined.
Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston, said that “no applications have been declined” for the Local Economy Fund.
However, under the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme, six applications from two businesses were rejected, primarily for ineligible refurbishment of occupied residential units or work “not deemed of sufficiently poor enough visual appearance to warrant support”.
Seven applications to the Domestic Event Fund were declined for not meeting economic benefit criteria.
The minister said these were for events like a “sector summit” in an area with few businesses, or “small-scale single venue events” that would not broadly benefit the town centre.
However, applicants were referred to the Winter Event Scheme, where some later secured funding.
Three Winter Event Scheme applications were rejected for reasons including exceeding a funding cap, an ineligible venue, or being submitted post-event.
Mr Johnston said his department “remains committed to reviewing the effectiveness of all business support schemes”.