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GrantNorthern IrelandDerry City and Strabane District Council

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (Derry City and Strabane)

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Description

Capital grants for existing rural micro-businesses in Derry City and Strabane to buy equipment, machinery, computers, or build an e-commerce website, funded through DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme and delivered locally by the council.

Amount

£500–£7,500 (up to 50% of eligible capital project costs)

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: Northern Ireland.
  • Applicant must be a registered business.
Notes
Funded via DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme. Covers capital items only (equipment, machinery, IT equipment, purchased software, e-commerce websites) up to 50% of eligible project costs; total project cost must be £1,000–£30,000; excludes second-hand equipment, building work, vehicles, CCTV, signage, and solar panels. Requires attendance at a mandatory pre-application workshop. The 2026/27 round closed 12 noon on 30 July 2026 — recurs annually, check the council website for the next window.
Requirement
Established, registered private businesses or social economy enterprises with fewer than 10 full-time-equivalent employees, operating in a rural area (population under 5,000) within the Derry City and Strabane District, with a dedicated business bank account.

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How to apply

Attend a mandatory pre-application workshop, then apply online via NI Direct before the deadline.

View official source

Other areas' version of this scheme

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (Derry City and Strabane) is run locally — here's the same scheme in other areas.

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Mid Ulster District Council

Capital grants for existing rural micro-businesses in Mid Ulster to buy equipment, machinery, computer equipment/software, or build an e-commerce website, funded through DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme and delivered locally by the council.

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Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (Newry, Mourne and Down)

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Capital grants for eligible rural businesses across the Newry, Mourne and Down district to invest in equipment and infrastructure that improves productivity and competitiveness, funded through DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme and administered by the council on the department's behalf.

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Last verified: 23 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.