06 July 2021
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme: Growing your business post Coronavirus
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have announced applications are now open for the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme.
The grant is aimed to support sustainability, recovery and development of micro businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.
Applications are open to new applicants only. Those who have previously received grant funding from previous calls under the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) are ineligible to apply.
Applications will close at 12pm on Friday 30 July 2021.
What funding is available?
A capital grant, covering 50% of eligible capital costs up to a maximum of £4,999, is available to rural microenterprises with less than 10 full-time employees in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council areas.
The capital grant scheme can assist with funding:
- New capital equipment.
- Computer equipment and software
- E-Commerce websites
- COVID-19 business recovery equipment.
The total cost of the capital project must be a minimum of £1,000 and must not exceed £20,000.
The grant is administered by the local Council, and is part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair’s “Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation” (TRPSI) Programme.
Who is eligible?
Your business is eligible if:
- It is located in a rural area, in the NMDDC area (<5,000 residents).
- It is an existing and registered private business or social enterprise, which is actively trading.
- You currently employ less than 10 full-time equivalent employees (based on a 30hr week).
- It is appropriately insured.
- You have not previously received funding as part of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.
Businesses must have a dedicated business bank account, and must provide a detailed specification and two “like for like” quotations as part of the application process.
Applicants must be 18 or over at the time of application.
Eligible projects must be completed (works completed and payment cleared) by 17 December 2021.
How can I apply?
The application form can be found on the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council website here.
Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant will close at 12pm on Friday 30 July 2021.
Detailed guidance notes on the application process can be found here.
For more information on how to apply and eligibility, please contact us.