Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

Capital grants of up to £7,500 are available to help small rural businesses in Northern Ireland invest in equipment and technology. 

The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme. It is administered by local councils.

The scheme helps rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland to sustain, survive and grow through small capital grants.  The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2026/27 is open for applications from 9am Monday 29th June 2026. 

The scheme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) under the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme and administered by local Councils.

What Funding is Available?

Grants provide up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £7,500.
The minimum grant available is £500.
Project costs must be between £1,000 and £30,000.
Applicants must provide the remaining match funding.

Key Dates:

Application Opens: 9am on Monday 29th June 2026
Application Closes: 12noon on Thursday 30th July 2026

MANDATORY PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOPS DATES: 

⚠️ IMPORTANT: You MUST attend a pre-application workshop before applying. Applications from those who have not attended will NOT be considered for funding.

View all the available pre-application workshops here
 

Who Can Apply?

✅ Eligible businesses must:

• Be based in a rural area of Northern Ireland.  A rural area is defined as an area with a population of less than 5,000 residents. Culmore, Drumahoe, Nixons Corner, Coshquinn, Newbuildings and Strathfoyle are defined as rural and are eligible for this programme. If you’re unsure if your business location is eligible, email [email protected]  or telephone 02871 253 253 and ask to speak to a Business Support Advisor.
• Employ less than 10 full-time equivalent employees
• Be an existing, registered private business or social economy enterprise actively trading
• Have appropriate insurance or be prepared to obtain it
• Have a dedicated business bank account
• Be aged 18 or above at application deadline

Note: Sports clubs and community groups are only eligible if they generate sales revenue from commercial activity (not just members).

What Can Be Funded?

This is a capital grant scheme only. Eligible items include:

• New equipment and machinery.
• Mobile machinery (e.g. scissor lifts, mini excavators, forklifts, ride-on mowers).
• IT equipment such as laptops, computers, printers.
• Purchased software (not licences or subscriptions).
• E-commerce websites with online purchasing capability.

What Cannot Be Funded?

❌ Excluded items include:

• Second-hand or refurbished equipment
• Building works or refurbishments
• Motorised vehicles (vans, cars, boats, etc.)
• CCTV, signage, mobile phones
• Solar panels, wind turbines, generators
• Business running costs (staff, rent, utilities)
• Training courses or annual software fees

(For the full list, please see the programme guidance notes).
To find out more about the scheme, the application, assessment and claims process, please read the application guidance notes

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online through the NI Direct system before 12 noon on 30th July 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.

1. Read the guidance notes

Before applying, read the full programme guidance notes to check eligibility and understand the assessment process. (Click here to access Guidance Notes)

2. Attend a pre-application workshop

Book and attend one of the workshops listed above. You will need proof of attendance to apply for Grant.

3. Access or set up an NI Direct account

You will need an NI Direct account to access the application form. If you don’t already have an NI Direct Account you can set one up here (Click to log in or set up an NI Direct Account)

4. Complete and submit your application

Fill in the online form in full, upload all required supporting documents, and submit before the deadline. Start your application here. 

APPLY NOW

Support and Contact:

If you have a question or need help with your application, contact the Business Support team:

📧[email protected]

📞 028 71 253 253 ext. 4265 or ext 6664 or via mobile:| 07525 708399 | 07738 733571