Grants For Rural Businesses
Rural Micro Business Grant Scheme – Open for Applications
Capital grants up to a maximum of £4,999 are now available to rural businesses to support the sustainability, recovery and development of micro businesses through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme administered and managed by local Council. Capital grants can provide up to a maximum of 50% grant rate and are available to existing micro enterprises based in rural areas of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
In response to the recent announcement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “We very much welcome the announcement by DAERA for another round of funding aimed specifically for our rural businesses. This funding will provide an opportunity for our indigenous rural businesses throughout Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to apply for up to £4,999 to assist with capital costs. I would strongly encourage those who have not received funding though the previous TRPSI schemes to apply, particularly as we emerge from such a difficult period following the pandemic. It would be fantastic to see many more rural businesses in our district benefit from this funding in a bid to recover and develop into 2022.”
The capital grant scheme can assist with funding new capital equipment/machinery; computer equipment and software; e-commerce websites; and Covid-19 business recovery equipment. Grants are available to support the recovery, sustainability and development of existing micro businesses based in rural areas who have not previously received funding under the TRPSI Rural Business Development Scheme, which was administered by local Councils during 2019-20 and 2020-21.
The scheme is open for applications from Thursday 1st July 2021, closing on Friday 30th July 2021 at 12noon. Late applications will not be accepted.
Guidance notes and application forms are available on the Council website: https://www.newrymournedown.org/rural-business-development-grant-scheme
It is advisable to also speak directly with a member of the Business Development Team with regards to eligibility, the application process and your project idea. To arrange a call back email business@nmandd.org Alternatively, call 0330 137 4000 and ask to speak to a member of the Business Development team.
Similar previous Rural Business Development Grant Schemes provided under DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programmes in 2019 and 2020, resulted in 80 successful projects and a total grant funding of approx. £263,000 resulting in a total investment value in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area of over £400,000 to include grant funding and match funding.
