The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme Opens Monday 29th June 2026
Date published: 26 June 2026
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has today announced a new £4million Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) will open for applications on Monday 29 June.
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 support sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, service expansion, and entry into new markets.
The scheme is funded under DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework and will deliver capital grants to support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland.
The scheme will close for applications at 12.00pm midday on Thursday 30 July 2026. Read full DAERA press release HERE
To access the Guidance Notes (available from 9am Monday 29th June) please visit the DAERA Funding Hub
Mandatory Workshop
Applicants are required to attend an online pre-funding workshop before they submit an application.
These workshops are offered on the following dates and times.
- Wednesday 1st July – 10am - 11am
- Wednesday 1st July - 6pm – 7pm
- Monday 6th July – 6pm – 7pm
- Friday 10th July – 1pm – 2pm
- Monday 20th July – 1pm – 2pm
- Friday 24th July – 2pm – 3pm
Please use this link to BOOK your chosen workshop date
To book a mandatory workshop, prior to submission, please visit HERE
Following attendance at a mandatory workshop, applications can be submitted via Council's Online Funding Hub