Local rural businesses still have time to apply for development grants up to £7,500
Wednesday 22 July 2026
Rural micro-businesses across Mid and East Antrim still have time to apply for the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme and secure up to £7,500 of capital funding.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council manages this scheme locally, which is part of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Businesses wishing to apply must attend a pre-application workshop. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 30 July 2026.
The remaining Microsoft Teams online workshops is Thursday 23 July at 1.00pm.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, encouraging existing rural businesses to apply said: “This scheme is an opportunity to help you put into motion a project that is currently beyond your reach. The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme aims to support local businesses while tackling poverty within rural communities.
“It is a chance for you to get financial support to sustain and grow your business. I encourage local rural micro-businesses with a project in need of support to get in touch and we will help you through the process.”
Grant aid of between £500 and £7,500 is available for eligible projects costing up to £30,000 from existing micro-businesses with less than 10 full-time employees. While mainstream agricultural activity is not eligible for support, funding can be used for new capital equipment/machinery, computer equipment, computer software and e-commerce websites.
Capital grants through this scheme are capped at £7,500 and applicants must provide the remaining match funding for the project.
Ahoghill based business EJs Country Kitchen secured grant funding from an earlier round of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme to expand the range of equipment in the kitchen.
Owner Anna Tait said: “The opportunity to increase the range of equipment in the kitchen means I can offer more food options. My family-run business is a restaurant attached to Hillstown Farm Shop, and I love providing wholesome food to my customers. The focus for me is on simple, fresh food using local ingredients. This investment allows me to offer regular bistro nights and seasonal events in addition to breakfast, lunch, and home-baked treats.”
Businesses interested in applying or registering for a mandatory workshop, should contact the Council team by emailing rdp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or phoning 028 2563 3266.
More information on the grants including eligibility and applications details is available online on our Rural Business Grants page.