DAERA has today launched the Rural Business Development Grant
Scheme which will deliver £1.55million in capital grants to
support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland.
The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is funded through the
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
‘Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation' (TRPSI) Programme
and is delivered in partnership with local Councils.
Eligible rural businesses can apply for capital assistance of 50%
up to the value of £4,999 for the purchase of capital equipment
which will help their business to enhance sustainability or lead
to growth opportunities and the creation of employment
opportunities which in turn strengthen the rural economy.
Launching the scheme, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and
Rural Affairs, , 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.
Notes to editors:
- The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) scheme
was introduced in 2019 in partnership with the 10 local
Councils (excluding Belfast City) with a further
three schemes rolled out in 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23.
- The purpose of the RBDGS is to provide support towards the
sustainability and growth of rural micro-businesses (less than 10
full-time equivalent employees) through the provision of a small
capital grant.
- DAERA has overall responsibility for the delivery of the
programme. Individual Councils are responsible for managing
projects in their Council area.
- To date, £5.078m grant aid funding has been provided through
the four iterations of the scheme supporting the sustainability
and growth of 1,547 rural micro businesses across NI.
