The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has launched a new phase of the Music Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS 2022). The fund is open to musicians, businesses and sole traders operating in the music and live entertainment sector. The deadline for applications is 17 February. 

The fund is worth a total of €4m and provides grants of between €1,500 and €12,500. It aims to support the self-employed and sole traders in the music industry whose incomes have been significantly affected by the restrictions of the pandemic. This includes musicians, singers, sound engineers, lighting engineers, audio engineers, stage managers, stage technicians, sound and lighting equipment suppliers, live-streaming equipment suppliers, and full-time disc jockeys. 

When applying, applicants must complete an online form and submit audited accounts or a sole trader tax return with evidence to show turnover in 2021 was no more than 40% of their turnover in their chosen reference year, pre-pandemic. 

For more information on MEBAS 2022, visit: https://bit.ly/3g9YU23