DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced that the 2024/2025 Rural Business Development Grant Scheme has successfully awarded £2.6 million in grant aid to 763 rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland.

The scheme provided capital grants of up to £4,999, covering 50% of costs, to help rural businesses purchase equipment. The funding aims to enable these businesses to remain sustainable and, in many cases, to grow, innovate, create rural jobs, and strengthen the rural economy.

Minister Muir recently visited two recipient businesses, Strangford Lough Activity Centre in Killinchy and Alpine Signs in Comber, to see firsthand the positive impact of the capital items purchased through the scheme.

"I am delighted to announce that 763 rural businesses across Northern Ireland have received grants totalling £2.6m to support their sustainability and growth," Minister Muir said. "These small capital grants encourage rural businesses to invest in expanding their operations, provide additional services, innovate, enter new markets, stay competitive and in many cases create employment opportunities."

He added, "The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme which is funded under the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework aligns very well with my Department's goal of cultivating strong, sustainable, and diverse rural communities." 

The scheme is delivered in partnership with local Councils' Economic Development Units.  Speaking during the Minister's visit to Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: "We would like to extend our thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the financial support that enabled the delivery of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme in Ards and North Down. The scheme has successfully supported businesses within our rural areas to continue to innovate, expand, and thrive. This was a valuable opportunity to deliver essential support to our local businesses, demonstrating both the Department and the Council's commitment to fostering vibrant rural communities."

At the visit to Alpine Signs in Comber, Alderman Amanda Grehan, Regeneration and Growth Chair at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, commented: "Our team is proud to deliver this grant scheme across our area and the rural areas of Belfast on behalf of DAERA. It is important for all levels of government to support the growth of rural businesses. Through the recent funding round Alpine Signs was able to purchase new equipment that improves productivity and maximises efficiency."

She further noted, "In addition to these benefits the new equipment improves the quality of each print job and has meant an apprentice can be employed. As a council we are supportive of apprenticeships and believe at Alpine Signs this new individual will learn a skilled trade from experienced members of the team."