Grant or payment · Northern Ireland
Rural Business Development Grant Scheme 2026/2027
Small capital grants for rural micro-enterprises, under the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation framework.
- From
- DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)
- How much
- £500 to £7,500.
- Who can apply
- Micro-enterprises based in a rural area of Northern Ireland.
How to apply
- Closed for 2026/2027
- Help: 0300 200 7840
Opening and closing dates of the 2026/27 round not shown on the page; whether farm diversification counts depends on the applicant guidance.
Similar schemes
- Innovation Visits and Innovation Farms Open all yearDAERA, delivered through CAFREGroup visits to see innovative farming practice outside Northern Ireland, and visits to local Innovation Farms.
- Farm Resilience Programme and other farm programmes Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside Fund (formerly the Prince's Countryside Fund)Free business and environmental training for family farms, including Farm Resilience, Routes to Regen, Savings in Soil and Working with Water.
- Horticulture Pilot Scheme Check it’s runningDAERA, delivered through CAFREPilot support for production horticulture: Innovation Driver and Support (capital for new crops, technologies or systems), Sustainable Sector Growth Groups, and Growers' Training and Support.
- Supporting Rural Communities grants Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside FundGrants to groups for young people, community projects, farm succession and rural resilience.
Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1. Always read the official page before you apply.