New funding support now available for rural businesses

 
A new scheme aimed at supporting rural businesses launches this week, offering capital support to assist with projects that contribute to sustaining rural communities.
The Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, and will be delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The total grant awarded to rural businesses in the area is £47,490 and applications are now being invited from existing micro businesses – less than 10 employees – in rural areas with minimum grant awards of £500 and a maximum of £4,999.
The total project cost must not exceed £20,000 and applicants must be willing to provide 50% match funding.
Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate they have commenced trading and their ability to complete the project. All payments relating to the project must be paid through the business bank account by 31 March 2020.
Application forms, guidance notes and further advice and information are available from DCSDCs Business section or via the Councils website.
A special information workshop will be held in Sion Stables at 7pm on Wednesday 27th November 2019. The closing date for applications is 12noon on 18th December 2019.