Rural Business Grants of up to £7,500
Capital grants up to a maximum of 50% grant rate are available to existing micro-enterprises based in a rural area to support them to sustain and grow through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.
The scheme is open for applications between Monday 29 June 2026 and 12 noon on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Grant aid of between £500 - £7,500 is available for projects costing up to £30,000.
What can I apply for?
Grant aid is available to support the purchase of new capital items of equipment or machinery or to set up an e-commerce website which cost at least £1,000 and no more than £30,000.
Examples of eligible expenditure includes:
- New equipment/ machinery.
- Mobile machinery, such as scissor lifts, forklifts, push and ride-on lawn mowers.
- Computer equipment e.g. computers, laptop, printer.
- Computer software (outright purchase; ongoing license fees are NOT eligible).
- E-commerce websites to allow online purchase capabilities.
Further details on what is eligible and not eligible is available in the guidance notes.
You should also read the application guidance notes which are available from DAERA on this link
Please note: the maximum number of items, or groupings of items, that you can purchase under the scheme is six.
How can I find out about the grant funding?
To find out more about the scheme, the application, assessment and claims process, you should register and attend our mandatory workshop:
The workshops will take place online via Microsoft Teams. They will take place on the following dates and times:
- Monday 6 July at 1.00pm
- Thursday 9 July at 6.00pm
- Wednesday 15 July at 1.00pm
- Tuesday 21 July at 6.00pm
- Thursday 23 July at 1.00pm
You can register for the workshop by E. rdp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or T. 028 2563 3266.
Is my business based in a rural area?
Rural areas are those areas with less than 5,000 residents and outside of designated urban areas. The scheme cannot support businesses based in the urban towns of Ballymena, Larne, or Carrickfergus, nor within the Mid and East Antrim Urban Area.
If you’re unsure if your business location is eligible please E-mail: rdp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
How do I apply?
The online system will open for applications from Monday 29 June until 12 noon on Thursday 30 July 2026.
The application link is on the DAERA webpage and can be accessed on this link:
Along with your completed application you will be required to submit supporting documents including:
- A detailed specification for each item you are applying for
- At least two price-checks per item from different suppliers/internet quotations for items up to £10,000
- At least three written quotes per item from different suppliers for items from £10,001 - £30,000 (internet quotations cannot be used)
- Quotes must be ‘like-for-like’ with specification
Fully completed application forms with supporting documents must be submitted by 12 noon on Thursday 30 July 2026.
For more information, please contact us on:
E: rdp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
T. 028 2563 3266