Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/2026 Opens for Applications
Date published: 17 September 2025
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has today announced that a Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) will open for applications on Thursday 25 September 2025.
The RBDGS is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs ‘Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation’ (TRPSI) Programme and is delivered in partnership with local Councils.
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 businesses to enhance sustainability and growth and, in many cases, create employment opportunities which in turn will strengthen the rural economy.
Launching the Scheme, Minister Andrew Muir said: “I am delighted to announce the opening of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. This Scheme demonstrates my Department’s commitment to fostering strong, sustainable, and diverse rural communities, and supports our Programme for Government’s priority of growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy with a focus on addressing regional balance.”
Minister Muir continued: “In my recent visits to previous grant recipients, I have seen first-hand how this funding enables rural micro businesses to invest in new equipment, ensuring their sustainability and enabling growth. In many cases, this support has created valuable rural employment opportunities. I strongly encourage all rural micro businesses to contact their local Council for details of the Scheme and how to receive support to make an application.”
The scheme is being delivered by local Councils on behalf of DAERA. Applicants to the Scheme will be required to provide a minimum of 50% match-funding.
The Scheme closes for applications at 12.00pm midday on Thursday 30 October 2025.
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