The Government has announced that the new strand of its Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) will open this Thursday, August 12.

The initiative will allow businesses involved in the performing arts scene that have had their incomes affected by COVID-19 to apply for grants, with the scheme ending September 30.

"I am happy to announce that the new strand of MEBAS funding will open for applications on Thursday 12^th August," said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin in a statement.

"Businesses with turnovers of between €15,000 and €20,000 will be able to apply for grants of €1,500 towards their business costs."

When it ran earlier this year, it only allowed businesses with a turnover that exceeded €20,000 a year to apply; however, smaller companies with a lower rate of €15,000 can now also look for grants.

“I have had extensive and ongoing engagement with stakeholders in the music industry throughout the pandemic as I sought to deliver a range of supports for the sector," Minister Martin continued.

"I have listened to their concerns around the turnover levels under MEBAS and am pleased to be in a position to extend the threshold to provide for smaller businesses. I am also pleased to announce that I will extend closing date for the MEBAS 1 scheme until September 30."

Musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers that operate exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector can also apply as a self-employed business.

NEW Music & Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme #MEBAS II opening soon 🎼

Business with turnovers between €15-€20k can apply for grants.

The scheme contributes to business costs for musicians and related crews.

More info ➡️ https://t.co/ofx7RZBwmm pic.twitter.com/SEP9H7V07u

— Tourism-Culture-Arts-Gaeltacht-Sport-Media (@DeptCulturelRL) August 9, 2021