Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is delighted to announce the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme is now open for applications from local rural businesses (Monday 29 June, 9am).
Eligible rural businesses can apply for capital assistance of up to 50%, to a maximum value of £7,500. This funding is available to support the purchase of capital equipment that will enhance sustainability, improve competitiveness, drive innovation, enable service expansion, and support entry into new markets.
Funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, the scheme is open to existing rural micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people.
Last year 153 grants were awarded to rural businesses in the ABC borough investing over £1m in our rural community.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said:
“With many rural businesses continuing to face economic pressures, I am pleased that Council is once again able to deliver the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme to support our small rural businesses. Offering an important opportunity for eligible businesses to invest in essential equipment, enhance their operations and explore digital opportunities such as e-commerce. I would encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of the support available. Since its introduction, the grant scheme has provided vital investment across our rural communities, helping businesses to grow and adapt to changing market conditions.”
Councillor Kyle Savage, Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee welcomed the grant scheme:
“I would strongly encourage anyone considering an application to attend one of the upcoming information workshops run by ABC council. These sessions are an opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the scheme, what funding can be used for, and how to submit a strong application. We want to ensure that as many eligible businesses as possible can benefit from this funding.”
The grant scheme will close for applications at 12 noon on Thursday 30 July 2026.
ABC Council will host a series of information workshops to provide guidance on the application process. Is it mandatory to attend a workshop before applying to the grant. Register for workshops below.
| Wed 01 July | 13:00 – 14:00 | ONLINE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992063800452?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Wed 01 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Rathfriland Rathfriland Community Centre, Committee Room, John St, Rathfriland, BT34 5QH https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992155017284?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Thurs 02 July | 13:00 – 14:00 | ONLINE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992062728245?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Thurs 02 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Dromore Studio 3, Dromore Community Centre, Holm Park, Lurgan Rd, Dromore, BT25 1HL https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992118341586?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Tues 07 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Markethill Courtroom Restaurant, Upstairs Room, 7 Main St Markethill BT60 1PH https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992154684288?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Wed 08 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Keady TMAC, Cowfare Room, 7 Cow Fair, Keady BT60 3TD https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992117870176?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Thurs 09 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Bleary Business & Community Centre, 1 Deans Rd, Craigavon BT66 7AS https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992118032662?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Wed 22 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Tandragee Tandragee Recreation Centre, 24 Madden Rd, BT62 2DG https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992118437874?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Thurs 23 July | 18:30 – 19:30 | Richhill Richhill Recreation Centre, The New Line, Richhill, BT61 9QR https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992118558234?aff=oddtdtcreator |
| Wed 29 July | 08:00 – 09:00 | ONLINE https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992063584807?aff=oddtdtcreator |
View guidance and application form for Rural Business Development Grant Scheme here.
