Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2026/2027
Scheme opens: 9am on 29 June 2026
Scheme closes: 12 noon on 30 July 2026
This Scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.
Eligible rural businesses can apply for capital assistance of 50% up to the value of £7,500 for the purchase of capital equipment which will help businesses to enhance sustainability and growth and, in many cases, create employment opportunities which in turn will strengthen the rural economy.
Guidance Notes on the scheme can be downloaded here:
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2026/27 - Guidance Notes (PDF, 446 KB) (opens new window)
Mandatory Pre-Application Workshops will take place as follows:
- 11am - 12 noon on 02/07/2026
- 7pm - 8pm on 08/07/2026
- 1pm - 2pm on 21/07/2026
These workshops will be held online via Teams. Only those businesses who attend a mandatory workshop will be eligible to apply to the scheme. To register, please email rbdgs@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk with your preferred workshop date and an invitation will be issued in advance of the workshop.
Please note: You cannot apply to the scheme if you have not attended one of the pre-application workshops.
One to one drop-in sessions will be taking place to allow potential applicants to discuss their project, the scheme requirements and the application process with Council Officers. These will be held in the Signal Business Centre, 2 Innotec Drive, Balloo Road, Bangor, BT19 7PD on the following dates:
- 2pm - 4pm on 07/07/2026
- 7pm - 9pm on 09/07/2026
- 10am - 12 noon on 23/07/2026
Please email rbdgs@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk if you would like to attend one of the above one to one drop-in sessions.
Only online applications can be accepted for this scheme, and applications can be made at the following link once you have set up an LA02 level NI Direct Account:
https://digitalapps2.daera-ni.gov.uk/RBDGS/StartPage
If you are setting up a new NI Direct account, please keep a note of your log in details as you will need these to access the system at different stages of the application, assessment, and grant claim stages. If you are using an existing account, please try to log in as soon as possible as for security reasons, you will need to provide photographic ID to gain access to the system. If you forget your login details, it can cause delays in accessing your application.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Regeneration Team on 0300 013 3333 Ext 40664, 40918 or 40360 / Email - rbdgs@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Launching the Scheme, Minister Andrew Muir said:
"I am delighted to announce the opening of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. The scheme demonstrates my Department's commitment to supporting strong, sustainable and diverse rural communities, while also helping rural micro businesses to invest in their future.
"Rural businesses make an important contribution to local economies and communities. This funding will support the growth of eligible businesses and improve their sustainability credentials. I would encourage all eligible rural micro businesses to contact their local council for details of the scheme and support to make an application."
