Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

The new Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is now OPEN. The Scheme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair’s, (DAERA) and administered by Newry Mourne and Down District Council on behalf of the Department. 

Rural business development grants of up to £7,500 are available to micro enterprises based in a rural area to support the sustainability and growth of rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland by providing a small capital grant for the business. Applicants to the Scheme will be required to provide a minimum of 50% match-funding.

Anyone interested in applying must attend one of the compulsory Pre-Funding Workshops which will be available on-line or in-person over the coming weeks. Applications from individuals who have not attended a workshop will not be considered for funding. 

To Register

To register for one of the workshops please use the following link: www.ticketsource.com/ruralbusinessscheme

To make an application to the RBDGS 26/27 Scheme applicants are required to have a verified NI Direct account at Level of Assurance 2 (LOA2).To register and make an application to the scheme please use the following link:

https://digitalapps2.daera-ni.gov.uk/RBDGS/StartPage

Pre Funding Workshops 

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme Compulsory Pre-Application Workshops

Online

• Friday 3 July 2026, 1pm
• Tuesday 7 July 2026, 1pm
• Tuesday 21 July 2026, 4pm
• Tuesday 28 July 2026, 4pm

In-Person Sessions 

• Saintfield Community Centre, Ballynahinch – Thursday 9 July 2026, 2pm
• Rostrevor Men’s Shed, Newry – Monday 27 July 2026, 2pm

Application Closing Date

The deadline for applications is 12noon on Thursday 30 July.