Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Scheme Open

December 10, 2019

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to have launched the Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Programme, which offers support to rural micro-businesses including service businesses that are often classed as ineligible under other rural development schemes.

Funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme (TRPSI) the scheme is currently open for applications until 18th December 2019 at 12noon.

This programme will provide nine micro businesses from the Lisburn Castlereagh area with a capital grant capped at £4,999 at a match-funding rate of 50% from DAERA and 50% from participating businesses. Micro businesses are those with less than 10 full time employees.

Speaking about the new programme Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of the Development Committee said: “We are delighted to offer this small capital grants scheme to local businesses, which aims to enhance entrepreneurship and growth while tackling poverty and social isolation within rural communities. It is a great opportunity for smaller businesses to get assistance to progress a project they want to do.”

Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate they are an existing non-agricultural business based in a rural area and their ability to complete the project in a short timeframe.

In mid-February 2020, successful applicants will receive a grant offer and they must complete their projects by 31st March 2020.

For further advice on the programme, eligibility or an application pack please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/trpsi or alternatively email dawn.hynes@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7489.