Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/2026

Scheme opens: 9am on 25 September 2025

Scheme closes: 12 noon on 30 October 2025

This Scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.

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.

Guidance Notes on the scheme can be downloaded here:

Guidance Notes RBDGS 2025-26 (PDF, 587 KB) (opens new window)

Mandatory Pre-Application Workshops will be taking place:

• 10am on Wednesday 01 October 2025
• 1pm on Friday 03 October 2025
• 7pm on Monday 06 October 2025

These workshops will be held online via Teams. Only those businesses who attend a mandatory workshop will be eligible to apply to the scheme. To register, please email rbdgs@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk with your preferred workshop date and an invitation will be issued in advance of the workshop. You cannot apply to the scheme if you have not attended one of the pre-application workshops.

Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme and applications can be made at the following link once you have set up an LA02 level NI Direct Account: Start Page | RBDGS | Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

If you are setting up a new NI Direct account, please keep a note of your log in details as you will need these to access the system at different stages of the application, assessment, and grant claim stages. If you are using an existing account, please try to log in as soon as possible as for security reasons, you will need to provide photographic ID to gain access to the system.

If you forget your login details, it can cause delays in accessing your application.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Regeneration Team on 0300 013 3333 Ext 40918 or 40663 / Email - rbdgs@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

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."