Rural Business Development Grant Scheme
Eligible rural businesses can apply for capital assistance of 50% up to the value of £7,500 for the purchase of capital equipment which will help their business.
The scheme is open for applications until midday on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Who it is for
This scheme is available to support the sustainability and development of existing micro businesses based in rural areas.
Support you can get
The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme can provide funding of up to 50% of costs for capital items up to a maximum of £7,500. The minimum grant awarded will be £500. The total cost of the capital project must be a minimum of £1,000 and must not exceed £30,000. Applicants must provide the remaining match funding towards the project.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has overall responsibility for the delivery of the programme. Individual councils are responsible for managing projects in their council area.
Before applying for the scheme, businesses must attend a pre-funding workshop, hosted by their local council. Only those businesses that attend a mandatory workshop will be eligible to apply to the scheme. Find out more about the workshops.
Support organisers
- Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA)
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Ards and North Down Borough Council
- Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
- Belfast City Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council