DAERA launches £1.55 million rural micro business development grant aid fund
17 October 2024
Small businesses in the Derry City and Strabane Council area are being encouraged to stake their claim for development grant funding worth up to £4,999.00.
DAERA’s Rural Business Development Grant Scheme will deliver a total of £1.55 million in capital grants to support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland.
The programme is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) and is delivered in partnership with local Councils.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, encouraged local businesses to find out more about the application process and avail of the opportunity to give their business a competitive edge.
"This programme offers rural micro businesses the opportunity to take their enterprise to the next level,” she said,
"It is an opportunity to invest in equipment and machinery that can streamline your business and give you a competitive edge in the marketplace
"I would urge applicants to book their attendance at the Pre Application workshops now as these are mandatory for a successful application," she added.
Eligible rural businesses can apply for capital assistance of 50% up to the value of £4,999 for the purchase of capital equipment that will help their business to enhance sustainability or lead to growth opportunities and the creation of employment opportunities which in turn strengthen the rural economy.
Launching the scheme, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, MLA, said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of the £1.55 million Rural Business Development Grant Scheme.
“This fund is important in delivering on the Department’s priority of building strong sustainable and diverse rural communities and the draft Programme for Government priority of growing a globally competitive and sustainable economy with a focus on addressing regional balance”.
Minister Muir continued: “I urge all eligible rural businesses to go online and apply as soon as possible.
"Rural Businesses continue to play a vital role in our rural communities and I want to support them at this challenging time and provide them with opportunities that will maximise their potential and stimulate business growth”.
Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme.
The Scheme opens for applications at 9.00am on 16 October 2024 and closes at 12 noon on 8 November 2024.
For more details on pre-application workshops and link to the Application visit www.derrystrabane.com/businesssupport
The workshops will take place on Wednesday October 23rd at 6pm (Online), Wednesday 30th October at 1pm (Glenelly Room, Strabane) and Tuesday November 5th at 1pm (Online).
Details of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme are on the DAERA website at Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2024/2025 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk).
Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme.
The Scheme opens for applications at 9.00am on 16 October 2024 and closes at 12 noon on 8 November 2024.