The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2025/26 is open for applications from 9am, Thursday 25 September 2025 until 12 noon, Thursday 30 October 2025.
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.
It aims to support the sustainability, survival and growth of rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland through small capital grants.
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 Thursday 25 September 2025Application Closes: 12pm (midday) Thursday 30 October 2025
MANDATORY PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
⚠️ IMPORTANT: You MUST attend a pre-application workshop before applying. Applications from those who have not attended will NOT be considered for funding.
Workshop Schedule:
- 30 September 2025 @ 12:00 noon (Online)
- 8 October 2025 @ 7:00 pm (Online)
- 14 October 2025 @ 1:00 pm (In-person – Derry City & Strabane District Council, 47 Derry Road, Strabane, BT81 8DY)
- 28 October 2025 @ 10:00 am (Online)
Register for a workshop here: http://bit.ly/3In9e8T
Or by scanning the QR code:
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
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).
- Storage containers (for business use only).
- 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
To find out more about the scheme, the application, assessment and claims process, please read the application guidance notes
How to Apply:
This is an online application process. Applications must be submitted online through the NI Direct system. To complete an online application, you will need:
- To set up an NI Direct account . Start or access your NI Direct account here
- Photographic ID (driving licence or passport)
- Complete the online application form in full
- Upload all supporting documents
- Submit before 12 noon on Thursday 30 October 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Support and Contact:
If you have questions or need help with your application, please contact:📧 [email protected]
📞 028 71 253 253 ext. 4265 or ext 6664 or via mobile:| 07525 708399 | 07738 733571
More details can also be found in the full guidance notes.