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Council extends call for grant applications from Rural Micro Businesses

August 31, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to announce its Rural Business Development Grant Scheme will open for seven days for applications from rural micro-businesses.  The scheme will reopen from Friday 10th September 2021 to 12 noon on Friday 17th September.

On this occasion the council is also administering grant applications to the scheme from the rural areas of Belfast City Council in addition to its own. 

Businesses can only submit one single application to the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2021.  Those who submitted an application in July this year cannot reapply as this round is an extension of the current 2021 programme.  Previous beneficiaries of this scheme can also not apply. 

This grant scheme is part of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme funded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).  It offers capital grants of up to £4,999.

Speaking about the upcoming programme, Alderman Amanda Grehan, Development Committee Chairperson said: “We are delighted to offer a further opportunity to local non-agricultural businesses within both our council area and that of our neighbours in Belfast.  The TRPSI programme supports rural business recovery, sustainability and growth. I would encourage all rural micro-businesses to consider this great opportunity to avail of financial assistance.  If you have been impacted by events of the last 18 months this could assist you.”

Eligible applications must be from existing micro-businesses with less than 10 full time employees. The total capital costs of the projects must be between £1,000 and £20,000. The capital grants are capped at £4,999 at a match-funding rate of 50% from DAERA and 50% from participating businesses.  The minimum grant awarded will be £500. 

Examples of eligible expenditure include:

  • New Capital Equipment/ Machinery
  • Computer equipment and software
  • E-Commerce websites

Previous rounds of TRPSI were popular and well received.  Speaking about the programme Sonya Martin, Director at Temple Golf Club said: “This programme provides a fantastic opportunity for small rural businesses.  Receiving financial support to purchase our new electronic point of sale systems has enhanced our businesses capabilities.  It also allows us to ensure a high standard of service for our valued customers.  I found the application easy to complete, the workshops useful and the process was easy to follow.”

Applicants can attend a funding workshop in advance of submitting an application.  These will take place via zoom on:

  • Thursday 2nd September 2021 at 1.00pm or 7.00pm
  • Tuesday 7th September 2021 at 1.00pm or 7.00pm
  • Tuesday 14th September 2021 at 1.00pm or 7.00pm

For further advice on eligibility, an application pack or to register your interest to attend one of the upcoming funding workshops, please email Dawn Hynes at grant.programmes@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7447.

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