Minister calls for applications to Rural Business Investment Scheme
January 26, 2017
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Michelle McIlveen is calling on all new and existing businesses within rural Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and rural Belfast City Council to consider applying to the next round of The Rural Business Investment Scheme.
The grant scheme, delivered by Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group, provides investment support for the creation and development of micro and small enterprises (including farm diversification and private tourism businesses) in rural areas. Funding is available up to £30,000 for new rural business start- ups and up to £50,000 for the expansion of existing rural businesses.
Minster McIIveen reiterated her call for applications during a recent visit to Maryland Industrial Estate, Moneyreagh when she congratulated three successful businesses located in the industrial estate – Crossen Engineering Ltd and McGreevy Engineering Ltd; two precision engineering companies along with KER Graphics Ltd, a self-adhesive label manufacturer. Each of the three companies received a grant of £50,000 under the first call for grant aid in summer 2016.
Minister McIlveen said: “I am delighted to visit three rural businesses today and I take great encouragement that the funding these companies have received through the Rural Business Investment Scheme has the potential to create up to 13 new jobs across each company.
“This demonstrates what the grant funding can do for businesses and how it can assist with their growth plans. The benefits are clear and I am urging rural businesses based in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and rural Belfast City Council to consider applying to the next round of the Rural Business Investment Scheme and, if successful, reap the rewards.”
Lagan Rural Partnership is a body consisting of local elected representatives and social partners from the rural business and community sector within the area of benefit.
Cllr Margaret Tolerton, Chairman of Lagan Rural Partnership, also encouraged rural businesses to consider application stating:
“We were delighted that up to £757,000 of grant funds were committed under our first call for applications. I would strongly advise that any rural businesses wishing to avail of this great opportunity should apply under this second call as our total fund available has reduced to £550,000. There is a possibility that this could be our final call under the current programme.”
Dr. Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council acknowledged the achievements of Lagan Rural Partnership to date:“The Council is delighted to provide administrative support to the work of Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group whereby decisions on grant delivery are made by both local Elected Members and representatives from the business and community sector. This funding aims to support the development of our robust and diverse rural economy.”
Cllr Uel Mackin, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee added: “To date the Rural Business Investment Scheme has been a real catalyst in our aim to invest in rural business creation and expansion and most significantly the creation of new jobs in our Council area. In order to be eligible for grant consideration potential applicants must attend one of the mandatory workshops. Please come along to find out more about the scheme and how it can work for your business.”
The mandatory Public information sessions for the Rural Business Investment Scheme are as follows:-
Wednesday 8 February 2017
Location: Cherry Room, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn (Business Breakfast)
Time: 8.00am – 10.00am
Wednesday 8 February 2017
Location: Dance Studio, Moneyreagh Community Centre, Moneyreagh
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Monday 13 February 2017
Location: Meeting Room 1, Cregagh Youth & Community Centre, Belfast,
Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Wednesday 15 February 2017
Location: Main Hall, Hillsborough Scout & Community Hall, Hillsborough
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Tuesday 21 February 2017
Location: Main Hall, St. Clare’s Community Hall, Glenavy
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Monday 6 March 2017
Location: Oak Room, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
To reserve a place at one of the workshops above and receive an application pack, please contact Melissa Cunningham by email: melissa.cunningham@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or Tel: 028 9250 9489.