The Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) has extended its deadline for applications – and is now set to remain open until 1pm on July 21.

MEBAS, launched by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, last month, has funding of €14 million, and was introduced as a further support measure for those in the live entertainment sector.

The scheme aims to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Businesses of musicians and singers of all genres are eligible – as are sound engineers, lighting engineers, audio engineers, stage managers, stage technicians, sound and lighting equipment suppliers, live-streaming equipment suppliers and full-time DJs.

Businesses that are not eligible for, and are not in receipt of, other business supports – such as the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme or the Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid – are eligible to apply for MEBAS.

“I am very pleased to open the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme for applications from businesses," Minister Martin said at the time of the launch. "This scheme is part of a €50 million suite of supports for those working in the live entertainment sector. This funding of €14 million will provide much needed support to those in the live performance sector that do not qualify for other business supports.”

For more details on the scheme, see here.

📢musicians, singers, bands, wedding bands
📢sound, lighting, audio engineers
📢stage managers, technicians
📢event suppliers, DJs

We have extended the deadline for this funding, please consider applying and spread the word to those who may not know about it https://t.co/mM5CGsO2lG

— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) July 6, 2021