Enterprise Finance Guarantee: an overview of Sectoral restrictions to be lifted
The following restrictions will be lifted as businesses in these sectors should be treated as any other business which approaches their lender for a loan with a business plan. Developments in these sectors have taken place since the restrictions were last reviewed and meant that the rationale for these restrictions no longer apply and/or can be made by the lender on a case by case basis.
Authors, music composers and certain other own-account artists
- Self-employed artists, authors, composers, playwrights, musicians, actors, theatrical companies, etc, are now eligible
- Commercial and graphic artists are eligible.
Betting and gambling
- Betting shops, totalisers, casinos, lotteries, bingo halls and amusement halls are now eligible.
Medical and health services
- All activities where registered and unregistered medical or other healthcare personnel use their skills to treat patients by the private / independent sector providers are now eligible. This includes all alternative therapies.
- Rest or convalescent homes, nursing homes and fitness and health clinics and firms offering health advice are eligible.
Postal services
- The collection, transport and delivery of letters and mail-type parcels and packages by courier, parcel and messenger service are eligible.
Ticket agents
- All ticket agents including those who block book tickets are now eligible.
Tied public houses
- Public houses where a brewery or drinks supplier owns or leases the premises, gives financial support, has any control or offers any incentive to the applicant to stock their product were previously not eligible. This restriction has now been lifted and tied public houses should be treated as any other independent business.
Veterinary Services
- Veterinary professionals and practices are now eligible for EFG.
Other Sectors
The following sectors are no longer excluded from De Minimis aid and therefore are eligible for EFG:
- Automotive
- Steel
- Shipbuilders
- Synthetic fibres
