Department of Finance (DoF)
Back in Business scheme
A 50% business rates discount for up to two years for businesses that occupy a previously vacant retail unit. Suits businesses moving into long-empty former retail premises in Northern Ireland.
What it pays for
Conditions to know about
Applies to any business ratepayer who began occupying premises on or after 1 April 2024, previously used for retail and unoccupied for 12 months or more. Premises never occupied may qualify if they could reasonably have been used for retail. Relief is a rates discount, not a cash payment.
How to apply
Applications go through the funder. Read their page for the full rules and the form.
Check if you can apply
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Source: NI Business Info support finder (Northern Ireland). Last checked 11 Nov 2026. Read from the funder’s page by AI, with each key fact checked against the page text.
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Listed under Premises, Northern Ireland
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