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21/04/2022

Boost your Small Rural Business with a Grant of up to £4,999

Are you a small business in a rural area of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area?  If so, you may be eligible for funding under the latest Rural Business Development Grant Scheme.  Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council will soon be open for applications for grants of up to £4,999 through the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs’ Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.  The Programme is aimed at businesses who did not benefit from these grants last year to enable them to sustain jobs and recover from the difficult impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said;

“These DAERA funded grants are a great initiative and will be a huge benefit to around 20 rural businesses across the Borough.  Many businesses are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and I am sure this will be a welcomed announcement for those who want to develop by investing in much needed new equipment”.

The scheme is open to existing businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees for capital items between 4 May 2022 and 12noon on 31st May 2022. The grants are at a maximum of 50% grant rate, up to £4,999.  Capital items include, for example, equipment, machinery, computers and e-commerce websites.  Building works are not eligible for funding under this Programme. 

Your project can cost up to £20,000 with a maximum grant of £4,999 and a minimum grant of £500.  Your business must be already actively trading and in a rural part of the Borough; if you’re not sure if where you are based is within the rural area, just contact us and we’ll be able to help or attend one of our workshops to talk through your project.  You must also attend one of our pre-application workshops in order to be eligible to apply for funding:

Date

Time

Location

Tuesday, 26th April

6-7pm

Mossley Mill

Thursday, 28th April

10-11am

Virtual (Online)

Tuesday, 3rd May

10-11am

Antrim Civic Centre

Wednesday, 4th May

6-7pm

Virtual (Online)

Monday 16th May

12noon – 1pm

Virtual (Online)

Thursday 26th May

6-7pm

Virtual (Online)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does your business fit the bill?  Then get in touch with us!  We might be able to boost your business with the funding it needs to grow and develop.

To register for a workshop, contact: grow@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or text Business Rural to 80039. 

More detailed information on eligibility criteria and how to apply is available at https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/business/support-for-businesses/