Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council Councillor Brian Tierney
The rural business development grant scheme is funded under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) programme and will be delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The total grant awarded to rural businesses in the Council area is £47,490 and applications are 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 per cent match funding.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, encouraged rural businesses to get involved.
“This will be welcome news to our rural businesses who have plans in place for a project that would benefit from this programme.
“This grant aid can cover a range of capital items but given the events of this year I’m sure it will also be particularly valuable to businesses as part of their Covid-19 recovery plan.
“Our rural businesses are an essential part of our local economy, and through this scheme they will have an opportunity to work on projects that allow them to expand, build and to continue to have a positive impact on our district’s rural areas.”
Catherine Collins, Council’s Business Officer, added: “The aims of this scheme are to enhance entrepreneurship and growth, and to minimise poverty, social exclusion and inequality amongst those living in rural areas.
“These grant awards will give our rural businesses a platform upon which to build, and assistance in securing their future as they move forward. Having strong rural businesses has, in turn, a positive impact on our rural communities.
“This scheme can cover a range of different projects, including capital costs to facilitate health and safety changes to working practices and alterations to premises needed due to Covid-19 restrictions, so we are hopeful of a good response from our rural businesses.”
The application form and guidance notes will be available to download from the business section of Council’s website from Monday 3rd August 2020.
Fully completed application forms with supporting documents must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 11th September 2020.
Applications should be submitted via email to catherine.collins@derrystrabane.com.
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 28th March 2021.
If you’re unsure if your business location is eligible, email catherine.collins@derrystrabane.com or telephone 02871 253 253, ext 4265.
