Possible £7,500 grants now open for Rural Businesses in Derry and Strabane
Rural micro-businesses in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £7,500 through the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2026–2027.
The scheme is part of a £4 million investment across Northern Ireland funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme and is delivered in partnership with local Councils.
It aims to support the sustainability and growth of rural micro-businesses by offering financial assistance towards the purchase of capital equipment, enabling them to become more competitive and capable of creating employment opportunities.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, welcomed the continued investment in local enterprise:
“We are delighted to see the return of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme and the continued support available to rural micro-businesses across the Council area.
“This programme has already delivered significant benefits to local businesses, allowing them to invest in vital equipment and technology to support their growth and sustainability.
“With grants of up to £7,500 available, this scheme presents a valuable opportunity for rural businesses to invest in their future.
“I would encourage all eligible businesses to begin preparing now and to ensure they attend one of the mandatory workshops required before applying.”
A spokesperson for the council said that under the 2026-2027 programme, eligible businesses can apply for capital funding of up to 50% of eligible costs, with the maximum grant set at £7,500.
The minimum grant available is £500 and project costs must range from at least £1,000 to a maximum of £30,000. Applicants are required to provide the remaining match funding.
Council said that it is a competitive scheme, with all applications assessed on merit.
Council said that attendance at one pre-application workshop is mandatory for all applicants. These workshops aim to provide important information on eligibility, the application process and completing the claims process.
Workshop dates: Wednesday July 1 – Online, Tuesday July 7, Council Offices, Strabane, BT82 8DY, Wednesday July 15 – Online, Thursday July 23 – Online, Monday July 27 - Online, Tuesday July 28 - Online.
Funding can be used towards a wide range of capital items including computer equipment and software, e-commerce websites, new or upgraded equipment and machinery, as well as mobile machinery such as scissor lifts, forklifts or ride-on lawn mowers.
Businesses that received funding in previous years are eligible to apply again.
The application portal is now open and the deadline is 12 noon on Thursday July 30.
For more information and to register for the workshops please visit: https://www.derrystrabane.com/RuralGrants
Sinn Féin councillor Christopher Jackson has urged rural businesses to apply for the RBDGS funded by DAERA.
The Waterside Councillor said: “Applications are now open for the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2026/2027.
“Our rural businesses are an essential part of our local economy, and through this scheme they will have an opportunity to work on projects that allow them to expand, build and to continue to have a positive impact on our district's rural areas."
“This scheme provides grant aid for rural micro businesses of 50 per cent up to the value of £7,500 for the purchase of capital equipment to remain sustainable, competitive, innovative and expand into new markets.”