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Grant Funding for Rural Communities

Camping pods are an example of a project that could be funded.

GRANT funding has opened in rural communities throughout Mid and East Antrim to support the creation and development of small business activity.

The Rural Business Investment Scheme will provide capital grants, with funds also available to cover some professional fees including architectural, training and marketing.  The grant, administered by the Mid & East Antrim Local Action Group will supports;

  • New and existing small enterprises – up to 50 employees.
  • Micro or Small Enterprises performing non-agricultural activity and those engaged in economic activities in rural areas.
  • Areas include Portglenone, Ahoghill, Broughshane, Kells and Connor, Galgorm, Whitehead, Islandmagee, Carnlough, Glenarm, Ballygawley and Greenisland. Excludes Ballymena town, Larne town and Carrickfergus town.

Activities which might be supported include (but are not limited to);

  • Rural tourism type activities restricted to caravan sites, campsites, pod sites and bunkhouses.
  • Construction of workshops for crafts, repair & production activities.
  • Investments in leisure, recreational and sport activities developed by private businesses or social economy as an economic activity.
  • IT activities, e-commerce, and online warehouse.
  • Provision of services e.g. architectural and engineering activities, book-keeping and auditing services technical services and industrial cleaning etc.

The primary objective is job creation.  The opportunity must create at least one job PT job within 2 years.

Support available;

  • Maximum grant funding of 50% is available
  • New Micro Business Capital Grant Min Grant £5k Max Grant £30k
  • Existing Micro/Small Enterprise Capital Grant Min Grant £5k Max £50k
  • Technical Support & Bespoke Training Min Grant £500 Max Grant £5k
  • Web-based Marketing Support Min Grant £500 Max Grant £10k
  • Non web-based Marketing Support Min Grant £500 Max Grant £5k
  • Applicants must attend a pre-applications workshop before they can apply.

If you are interested in finding out more about Grant funding for new and existing business activity in rural Mid & East Antrim, contact 2020 Architects at info@2020architects.co.uk.

It is anticipated applications will open on 15th May and close on 28th July, 2017.

To find out more specific information on the programme please refer to meardp.com.

Please note – this is a competitive programme and an invitation to submit an application does not indicate that your application/project will be awarded financial assistance.