The Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme’s (TRPSI) Rural Business Development Grant Scheme aims to support the sustainability and growth of rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland by providing a small capital grant for the business. The TRPSI Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and this grant aid Programme is administered and managed by local Councils.
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme
The RBDGS 2025/2026 opens at 9.00am on 25 September 2025 and will close at 12noon on Thursday 30 October 2025.
The Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme’s (TRPSI) Rural Business Development Grant Scheme aims to support the sustainability and growth of rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland by providing a small capital grant for the business. The TRPSI Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and this grant aid Programme is administered and managed by local Councils.
LEVEL OF GRANT AID
The Scheme can provide funding of up to 50% of costs for capital items up to a maximum of £7,500. The minimum grant awarded will be £500. The total cost of the capital project must be a minimum of £1,000 and must not exceed £20,000. Applicants must provide the remaining match funding towards the project.
HOW TO APPLY?
Applications must be submitted online.
To apply please click here or visit: https://digitalapps2.daera-ni.gov.uk/RBDGS/StartPage
You are encouraged to submit your application well in advance of the closing date / time to avoid technical difficulties which could result in deeming your application ineligible.
This is a competitive process and all grants awarded will be determined on the basis of merit.
Prior to submitting an application all eligible businesses must attend a mandatory pre-funding workshop, which are being held on:
Wednesday 1 October: 12noon to 1.30pm – Online – MSTeamsRBDGS2526Meeting ID: 317 578 848 163 , Passcode: wW2HJ2XA
Friday 3 October: 2pm – 3.30 – CIDO Innovation Centre, 73 Charlestown Road, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT63 5PP
Thursday 9 October: 6pm-7.30pm – Banbridge Enterprise Centre, 62 Scarva Rd, BT323QD
Monday 13 October: 12pm-1.30pm – Armagh Business Centre, 2 Loughgall Rd, BT617NH
Wednesday 15 October: 6pm -7.30pm – MSTeamsRBDGS2526 Meeting ID: 339 563 088 840 1
Passcode: xP3mV6UZ
Tuesday 21 October: 12pm – 1.30pm – MSTeamsRBDGS2526
Meeting ID: 374 282 537 836 0 Passcode: hm7J4ce2
The online workshops will be delivered on Microsoft Teams – please ensure you have this platform installed on your device and join a few minutes in advance so we can start promptly.
- When you join the meeting, please add your name and your business name to the chat function – you will be shown how to do this at the start of the workshop. This is a requirement of DAERA so we can confirm your attendance.
Spaces are limited to one person per business at the workshops.