Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is encouraging rural businesses to apply for support through the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2025, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) under the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.
This scheme offers capital grants of up to 50%, ranging from £500 to £7,500, to help existing micro-enterprises (with fewer than 10 full-time employees) sustain and grow their businesses. Eligible expenditure includes capital equipment such as machinery, computers, and the development of e-commerce websites.
➡️ Funding available: 50% grant rate (£500 – £7,500)
➡️ Maximum project cost: £30,000
➡️ Application period: 25 September 2025 – 12 noon, 30 October 2025
The scheme is designed to strengthen the rural economy by supporting sustainability, growth, and employment opportunities. Businesses must already be trading and located in a rural part of the Borough.
Our rural businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and this scheme provides vital support to help them thrive. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of the funding available through DAERA’s TRPSI Programme.”
To help businesses understand the application process and eligibility, the Council will host a series of information workshops. All applicants must attend one of these mandatory information workshops before applying:
- Thursday 2 October, 1pm: Online (Teams)
- Wednesday 8 October, 6pm: Spinning Room, Mossley Mill
- Thursday 16 October, 6pm: Steeple Suite, Antrim Civic Centre
- Wednesday 22 October, 1pm: Online (Teams)
- Monday 27 October, 6pm: Online (Teams)
For further information, to check eligibility or to register for a workshop, E. ruralbusiness@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
