Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

31 July 2020

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme: Growing your business post Coronavirus. 

As local businesses prepare to recover and grow from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme can assist with capital costs, such as; ICT equipment for remote working employees, E-commerce websites as well as additional equipment or machinery. Grants will be available towards capital items for micro businesses based in Newry, Mourne and Down rural areas and assist rural businesses recover, sustain and grow.

Level of Grant and Criteria

The Scheme can provide funding of up to 50% of costs up to a maximum of £4,999. Businesses can apply for the grant if the following criteria is fulfilled:

(i) you are a registered and existing business enterprise that is actively trading

(ii) the business employees less than 10 full-time employees or equivalent.

(iii) the business has or will obtain insurance.

(iiii) Applicants aged 18+.

The grant scheme cannot support businesses based in urban areas, new start businesses who have yet to commence trading (all business sectors) and Farmers, or anyone registered to a Category 1 DAERA Business ID, undertaking mainstream agricultural activity. All other existing registered businesses and social economy enterprises (that are commercially trading) based in a rural area are eligible to apply for support.

Eligible expenditure

Expenditure that can be supported by the grant scheme includes:

(i) Computer Equipment

(ii) Computer Software

(iii) E-Commerce Websites

(iiii) New equipment/machinery

(iv) Modifying the internal layout of business premises to ensure compliance with COVID-19 social distancing protocols.

Submitting an Application

More information on the Grant Scheme, application process and eligibility criteria can be found here. Deadline for all applications  is 12 noon on Friday 11 September 2020. For further information on your eligibility or assistance in making an application for a capital grant, please do not hesitate to contact us.