Applications open for Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (UK)

The focus of the scheme is capital grants up to a maximum of 50% grant rate, with grant aid of between £500 – £7,500 available for projects costing up to £30,000, supporting the purchase of new capital items of equipment or machinery, or to set up an e-commerce website. Examples of eligible expenditure include new equipment or machinery, mobile machinery such as scissor lifts, forklifts, push and ride-on lawn mowers, mini excavators, I.T. equipment such as computers, laptops and printers, computer software (outright purchase only), and e-commerce websites to allow online purchase capabilities. The maximum number of items or groupings of items that can be purchased under the scheme is six.

Interested applicants must submit their application forms along with all required supporting documents including detailed specifications for each item, at least two price-checks per item from different suppliers for items up to £10,000, and at least three written quotes per item from suppliers for items costing between £10,001 and £30,000. Quotes must be like-for-like with specifications.

To apply for the scheme, applicants must register and attend one of the mandatory workshops, which will be held both online and in person. Online sessions will be delivered through Microsoft Teams, while in-person sessions will take place at Carrickfergus Enterprise and LEDCOM in Larne. Applicants are encouraged to book sessions by contacting the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council via email or phone.

Eligibility is limited to businesses based in rural areas with less than 5,000 residents and outside designated urban areas. Businesses within Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus, or within the Mid and East Antrim Urban Area cannot be supported under this scheme. Applicants who are unsure of their eligibility are encouraged to contact the council directly for clarification.

For more information, visit Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.