Rural Investment and Growth Fund
Funding for rural businesses for equipment, infrastructure, digital, or other capital improvements.
Applications close at midnight on Friday 8 May 2026.
Who it is for
This scheme is designed to support established businesses (legally registered and trading for at least six months) operating within the rural areas of Antrim and Newtownabbey.
Eligible business types: sole trader, partnership, limited company, or social enterprise with significant economic contribution.
Support you can get
The Rural Investment and Growth Fund brings new growth opportunities for rural businesses within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area.
The scheme can provide funding of up to 50% of costs for capital items up to a maximum of £20,000. The minimum grant awarded will be £10,000.
What can be funded:
- new equipment/ machinery
- mobile machinery, such as scissor lifts, forklifts, push and ride-on lawn mowers, mini excavators
- IT equipment, for example, computers, laptops, printers
- computer software (outright purchase - staff training costs or ongoing license fees are not eligible)
- digitisation projects
- e-commerce websites to allow online purchase capabilities
Support organisers
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council