Rural Social Enterprise Investment Scheme launches
Funding to boost capacity, potential profitability and sustainability of social enterprises and supporting those who live in rural areas
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a £500,000 capital grant scheme to aid established rural social enterprises to increase their capacity, potential profitability and sustainability.
The Rural Social Enterprise Investment Scheme aims to improve rural social enterprise sustainability to:
- strengthen rural communities
- improve the economic circumstances of rural communities
- work in partnership with others
Grants of between £50,000 to £100,000 are available to social enterprises who meet the scheme qualifying criteria and are successful in a competitive process. The grants will fund up to 80 per cent of eligible costs (subject to the maximum £100,000).
The scheme will target established rural social enterprises which have been trading for more than two years, and the project must be located in a rural area.
An initial expression of interest will be used to determine organisations and proposed projects which are eligible, and will be invited to submit a full application.
Find out more about the Rural Social Enterprise Investment Scheme and how to apply.
Expressions of interest will close at 3pm on Monday 14 November 2022.
Online pre-application workshops
Three online pre-application workshops have been arranged to provide detail on the scheme and the application process. Anyone intending to apply to the scheme should register for a webinar at:
First published 20 October 2022