Northern Ireland encourages rural businesses to apply for £50,000 in grant funding

NI Government is trying to encourage rural businesses to expand and grow under the funding
NI Government is trying to encourage rural businesses to expand and grow under the funding

Northern Ireland Government is encouraging rural businesses to avail of up to £50,000 in grant funding, which could help further develop farm diversification and rural tourism.

The Rural Business Investment Scheme will provide opportunities for rural businesses in Lisburn and Castlereagh and Belfast City Council areas to create jobs and grow their businesses, Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen said today.

During a visit to Maryland Industrial Estate, Moneyreagh, Ms McIlveen congratulated three businesses who benefitted from the Rural Business Investment Scheme in 2016 and announced that the application window is now open for applications from rural businesses in Lisburn, Castlereagh and Belfast council areas to apply for grants from £30,000 to £50,000.

The scheme, delivered by Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group, provides investment support for the creation and development of micro and small enterprises (including farm diversification and private tourism businesses) in rural areas.

Funding is available up to £30,000 for new rural business start-ups and up to £50,000 for the expansion of existing rural businesses.