Applications sought for rural businesses grant scheme

A Grant scheme for rural micro-businesses is now open in the borough.
Grant scheme for rural micro-businesses is now open.
Pictured at Glaze & Roll Coffee in Gosford Forest Park to launch the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme are; Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, Vice Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee,
Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage, Jennifer Clark, Glaze & Roll Manager, Councillor Brian Pope, Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee and Wayne McCall, Glaze & Roll Director. More details on P3
Pic credit: LiamMcArdle.comGrant scheme for rural micro-businesses is now open.
Pictured at Glaze & Roll Coffee in Gosford Forest Park to launch the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme are; Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, Vice Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee,
Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage, Jennifer Clark, Glaze & Roll Manager, Councillor Brian Pope, Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee and Wayne McCall, Glaze & Roll Director. More details on P3
Pic credit: LiamMcArdle.com
Grant scheme for rural micro-businesses is now open. Pictured at Glaze & Roll Coffee in Gosford Forest Park to launch the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme are; Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, Vice Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage, Jennifer Clark, Glaze & Roll Manager, Councillor Brian Pope, Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee and Wayne McCall, Glaze & Roll Director. More details on P3 Pic credit: LiamMcArdle.com

Last year, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council administered a Rural Business Development Grant Scheme through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme which saw investment in local businesses totalling nearly £50,000.

Following its success, a second tranche for applications is now open

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Rural micro businesses (less than 10 employees) within the ABC borough are eligible to apply for funding for capital items up to a maximum of £4,999.

It is envisaged that these grants will help to support the recovery and sustainability of rural businesses following the Covid-19 pandemic. Together, DAERA and council will deliver grant aid to businesses to support sustainability and assist them as they get back on their feet and move forward.

There is a certain amount of criteria to meet to be eligible for the grant, but some ideas of accepted expenditure may include computer equipment to facilitate staff working remotely, E-commerce websites to allow online purchase capabilities, new equipment and machinery or modifying the internal layout of business premises to ensure compliance with COVID-19.

Lord Mayor Kevin Savage sid: “The scheme is especially welcome at this time when micro rural businesses have been hit hard throughout the pandemic.

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“These grants will breathe life back into our vital rural businesses and help to ensure their future development as we move forward in these uncertain times.”

The closing date for applications is Friday, September 11, at noon. The Application Form and Guidance notes can be found on the council’s website at: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/business/rural-business-development-grant-scheme

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