Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/2026

Grant aid for rural micro businesses of 50% up to the value of £7,500 for the purchase of capital equipment to remain sustainable

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/26. 

The scheme aims to provide grant funding to help rural micro-businesses (employing less than 10 full-time equivalent employees) improve sustainability or lead to growth opportunities, creating employment and strengthening the rural economy.

Funding is available for up to 50% of costs for capital items up to a maximum of £7,500. The minimum grant awarded will be £500. The total cost of the capital project must be a minimum of £1,000 and must not exceed £30,000.

Pre-Funding Workshops

DAERA is responsible for the delivery of the programme. Individual councils are responsible for managing projects in their council area.

Before applying for the scheme, businesses must attend a pre-funding workshop, hosted by their local council. Only those businesses that attend a mandatory workshop will be eligible to apply to the scheme.

Find details of council workshops following:

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
• Ards and North Down Borough Council (workshops have now taken place)
• Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
• Derry City and Strabane District Council
• Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
• Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (includes Belfast City Council)
• Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
• Mid Ulster District Council
• Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Only online applications will be accepted for this scheme. 

Find out more about the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2025/26.

First published 7 July 2021