Further support for businesses investing in improved ventilation

The Department for Enterprise has enhanced and simplified the COVID-19 Business Premises Ventilation Grant scheme, which provides financial assistance to customer-facing businesses making improvements to indoor ventilation in their commercial premises.

The process to claim support under this Grant has been simplified. A fast track application and payment process is available if the project cost is under £2,000 so that businesses are able to access support for the purchase of ventilation systems, CO2 monitors, HEPA style filters and more, by simply providing evidence of their purchase from an Isle of Man retailer.

Financial assistance of 50% up to maximum of £5,000 is available for eligible businesses to support permitted costs. In addition, the simplified application process now allows businesses to claim support retrospectively for improvements which have already been made, effective from today.

Furthermore, applicant businesses are no longer required to provide a health and safety report ahead of receiving support with certain applications, however they are encouraged to do so when undertaking larger improvements. Financial assistance of up to £500 is offered by the Department to support with the provision of these reports.

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘The risk of transmission from someone with Coronavirus is greater in poorly ventilated spaces. Encouraging and supporting businesses to adapt their premises to mitigate this risk can help both staff and customers feel more secure.

‘I hope many businesses will take advantage of this simplified support package, particularly those within customer-facing sectors, where a high volume of traffic can increase the risk of airborne transmission.

‘The COVID-19 Business Premises Ventilation Grant forms part of a range of measures which have been put in place by the Isle of Man Government to support businesses and restore customer confidence as we continue to navigate the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on our community and economy.’

Information regarding the COVID-19 Business Premises Ventilation Grant can be found by visiting: https://www.iomdfenterprise.im/coronavirus/ventilation-grant  

Potential applicants who are unsure of their eligibility are encouraged to contact the Department for Enterprise by email at enterprisesupport@gov.im or by telephone on 687333.