The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS)

NOW OPEN

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced a new £4million Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS)

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


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


To book a mandatory workshop, prior to submission, please visit HERE

Guidance Notes

To access the Guidance Notes prior to submission, please see DAERA RBDGS GUIDANCE NOTES 2026/27

Submit your Application Online

Following attendance at a mandatory workshop, applications can be submitted via DAERA's Grants and Funding Hub