Funding

This scheme offers support to develop the local rural economy by creating employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship amongst private business and social enterprise sectors. Support is available for farmers to diversify into non-agricultural activities, individuals with a new business idea and for existing micro and small businesses to develop and expand.

Support is primarily targeted at rural areas.  With the exception of Dromore, towns with a population of more than 5,000 are excluded.  The funding will provide capital grants, with some resource funds towards bespoke training and marketing.  Support is provided for capital investments in the creation and development of non-agricultural activities, in rural areas, for micro and small enterprises i.e. an activity which is new for an existing enterprise*, or an expansion of an existing activity leading to job creation, or a new business start-up.

*An existing business operating continuously for a period of at least 1 year prior to the date of application verifiable on presentation of annual business accounts.

The primary objective is to create new jobs.  Those projects which create new jobs will receive higher marks at assessment stage and will be able to apply for larger grants.

Type of Support

• Support will be provided through grant aid.
• No advance payments will be available.
• Only one application per business (which include linked businesses) per call will be accepted.

Additional information on the type of projects and costs which are eligible are available on the measure sheet for Rural Business Investment, which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

This Scheme will support capital investments which will provide access to basic services or improvements in social infrastructure. It includes activities to reduce isolation and/or poverty, to improve access to basic services of those living in rural areas, and which are an integral part of and in line with the Council Community Plan and emerging priorities.

Projects must relate to the main theme of Innovative Service Delivery, such as the creation of Community Hubs, where capital infrastructure is put in place to allow for a number of services to be delivered to the community.

Type of support

Support will be provided through grant aid and advance payments may be available for Community, Voluntary and Social Economy Enterprise projects who would not otherwise be able to access the capital to commence implementation of their project.

• Advances are subject to a 100% guarantee provided by a bank or other equivalent financial institution established in the Member State.
• Advances will not exceed 20% of the total amount of the aid to be granted to a beneficiary for a given operation

* This is the maximum grant level per project, including technical support.

Additional information on the type of projects and costs which are eligible are available on the measure sheet for Rural Basic Services, which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

This measure offers support to villages and surrounding rural areas to develop, review and implement integrated action plans, promote community development and regenerate the area through village renewal schemes and village enhancement, thereby enriching the community infrastructure.

The Village Plan is a working document that has the support of the community. It should provide a needs-based strategic framework to co-ordinate specific development actions. Support for Village Renewal must fit with the Council Community Plans and integrated Village Plans. This measure aims to build on the overarching fabric of a village or town, integrating with funding from other government departments and agencies. It aims to address rural dereliction and prioritise the re-use of existing derelict buildings, particularly to provide community infrastructure.

Type of support

• Support will be provided through grant aid.
• No advance payments will be available.

*This is the maximum grant level per project, including technical support.

** Maximum grant level of £2000 for revising village plans and £4000 for new village plans.

Additional information on the type of projects and costs which are eligible are available on the measure sheet for Village Renewal, which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

This scheme will provide financial support to fill the gap for rural dwellers and business clusters that cannot currently avail of broadband.

It will help address the very rural ‘not spots’ that aren’t within the scope of any other government initiatives.  Funding will be limited to small broadband infrastructure schemes that will involve innovative community-led solutions for local access.  It is likely that only 2-3 grants will be made available under this measure.  Evidence of consultation with and support of Council will be required.

Type of support

Support will be provided through grant aid. Under the following conditions –

• Advance payments will be available for Community, Voluntary and Social Economy Enterprises that would not otherwise be able to access the capital to commence implementation of their project:
• Advances are subject to a 100% guarantee provided by a bank or other

Equivalent financial institution established in the Member State;

• Advances will not exceed 20 % of the total amount of the aid to be granted to a beneficiary for a given operation.

Additional information on the type of projects and costs which are eligible are available on the measure sheet for Rural Broadband, which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.