Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 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 DAERA PRESS RELEASE HERE
To access the Guidance Notes please visit the DAERA RBDGS Webpage
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
Following attendance at a mandatory workshop, applications can be submitted via DAERA's Grants and Funding Hub