Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/2026
Grant aid for rural micro businesses of 50% up to the value of £7,500 for the purchase of capital equipment to remain sustainable.
Grant aid for rural micro businesses of 50% up to the value of £7,500 for the purchase of capital equipment to remain sustainable
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/26.
The scheme aims to provide grant funding to help rural micro-businesses (employing less than 10 full-time equivalent employees) improve sustainability or lead to growth opportunities, creating employment and strengthening the rural economy.
Funding is available for 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.
Pre-Funding Workshops
DAERA is responsible 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 details of council workshops following:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Ards and North Down Borough Council (workshops have now taken place)
- Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (includes Belfast City Council)
- Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Only online applications will be accepted for this scheme.
The deadline for applications is midday on Thursday 30 October 2025.
Find out more about the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/26.
First published 7 July 2021