Applications open for Rural Business Development Grant Scheme
29 June 2026
Rural micro-businesses in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £7,500 through the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2026–2027.
The scheme is part of a £4 million investment across Northern Ireland funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme and is delivered in partnership with local Councils.
It aims to support the sustainability and growth of rural micro-businesses by offering financial assistance towards the purchase of capital equipment, enabling them to become more competitive and capable of creating employment opportunities.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, welcomed the continued investment in local enterprise:
“We are delighted to see the return of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme and the continued support available to rural micro-businesses across the Council area.
“This programme has already delivered significant benefits to local businesses, allowing them to invest in vital equipment and technology to support their growth and sustainability.
“With grants of up to £7,500 available, this scheme presents a valuable opportunity for rural businesses to invest in their future.
“I would encourage all eligible businesses to begin preparing now and to ensure they attend one of the mandatory workshops required before applying.”
Under the 2026–2027 programme, eligible businesses can apply for capital funding of up to 50% of eligible costs, with the maximum grant set at £7,500.
The minimum grant available is £500 and project costs must range from at least £1,000 to a maximum of £30,000. Applicants are required to provide the remaining match funding.
This is a competitive scheme, with all applications assessed on merit.
Attendance at one pre-application workshop is mandatory for all applicants. These workshops will provide important information on eligibility, the application process and completing the claims process.
Workshop dates and times are as follows:
- Wednesday July 1st – Online
- Tuesday July 7th – Council Offices, Strabane, BT82 8DY
- Wednesday July 15th – Online
- Thursday July 23rd – Online
- Monday July 27th - Online
- Tuesday July 28th - Online
Funding can be used towards a wide range of capital items including computer equipment and software, e-commerce websites, new or upgraded equipment and machinery, as well as mobile machinery such as scissor lifts, forklifts or ride-on lawn mowers.
Businesses that received funding in previous years are eligible to apply again.
The application portal is now open and the deadline is 12 noon on Thursday July 30th.
Full details on how to register for a workshop, access guidance notes and apply for the scheme are available via the Council’s website.
All applicants are strongly advised to read the application guidance carefully and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their application.
For more information and to register for the workshops please visit: https://www.derrystrabane.com/RuralGrants