Local rural micro-businesses have just days to apply for capital support under the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, with the closing date at 12 noon on Thursday 30 July. The scheme, managed locally by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation programme, can provide grants of up to £7,500 for eligible projects.
Ahoghill success story underlines local impact
An Ahoghill family-run food enterprise, EJs Country Kitchen, is being showcased by the council after using funding from an earlier round to expand its kitchen and introduce new dining experiences. The business owner, Anna Tait, was photographed with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, as part of the publicity for the latest funding window.
“This scheme is an opportunity to help you put into motion a project that is currently beyond your reach,”
Alderman Gordon urged existing rural micro-businesses to consider whether the grant could help them invest in equipment, technology or an online presence to support future growth.
Who can apply and what the grant covers
The scheme targets existing rural micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 full-time staff. It is capital funding only: projects must be for equipment, technology or investments that improve business capacity. Mainstream agricultural activity is not eligible.
- Grant amounts: £500 to £7,500
- Maximum project value: £30,000 (applicants must provide match funding)
- Eligible uses include: new machinery, computer equipment, software and e-commerce websites
- Mandatory pre-application workshop required
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 12 noon, 30 July 2026 |
| Final workshop | Microsoft Teams, 23 July at 1pm |
| Grant range | £500–£7,500 (projects up to £30,000) |
Practical steps for applicants
Prospective applicants should first register for and attend the mandatory pre-application workshop; the last online session runs via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 23 July at 1pm. Applicants will need to prepare project costings and evidence of match funding to meet the scheme’s requirements.
For businesses in more remote parts of Mid and East Antrim, the funding offers a route to invest in equipment or digital trading capabilities that might otherwise be unaffordable. The council has pointed to EJs Country Kitchen’s expansion as an example of how modest capital support can unlock new business opportunities in the local rural economy.
Those interested should contact Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for application details and workshop registration information ahead of the 30 July deadline.
