Deadline Date: July 30, 2026
The Rural Business Development Grant Programme is seeking applications to support rural micro enterprises in Northern Ireland by providing capital funding to help improve business sustainability and growth.
The focus areas include rural business development, micro enterprise support, capital funding, business sustainability, business growth, and rural economic development.
The Rural Business Development Grant Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and administered by Newry Mourne and Down District Council. It provides financial support to rural micro businesses to strengthen their sustainability and growth across Northern Ireland.
The programme offers grants of up to £7,500 to eligible micro enterprises based in rural areas. Funding is provided as a small capital grant intended to support business development and improve long-term viability.
Applicants are required to provide a minimum of 50 percent match funding as part of the application process. Attendance at a compulsory pre-funding workshop is also required, and only those who complete this step will be considered for funding.
The programme is designed to support rural businesses that contribute to local economic development and strengthen rural communities through sustainable business activity.
For more information, visit Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
