Grant Scheme To Boost Rural Businesses In Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the launch of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. This initiative aims to provide financial support to micro businesses located in rural areas across Northern Ireland.

The scheme, which is part of DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, will allocate £1.55 million in capital grants to eligible businesses. These grants can be used to cover up to 50% of the cost of purchasing capital equipment, with a maximum of £4,999 per business.

The funding is intended to assist rural businesses in enhancing their sustainability, expanding their operations, and creating employment opportunities. By strengthening the rural economy, the scheme aims to address issues such as poverty and social isolation in these areas.

The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is being delivered in partnership with local councils. Interested businesses can apply for funding through their respective local authority. Launching the scheme, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, MLA, said: "I am pleased to announce the opening of the £1.55million Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. This fund is important in delivering on the Department's priority of building strong sustainable and diverse rural communities and the draft Programme for Government priority of growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy with a focus on addressing regional balance."

Minister Muir continued: "I urge all eligible rural businesses to go online and apply as soon as possible. Rural Businesses continue to play a vital role in our rural communities, and I want to support them at this challenging time and provide them with opportunities that will maximise their potential and stimulate business growth."

Details of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme. The Scheme opens for applications at 9:00am on 16 October 2024 and closes at 12 noon on 8 November 2024.