Sectoral Assistance

1. CRAFT SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

AIMS
To encourage the growth and development of the local craft sector.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
The development of a tailored programme, to include a small grants scheme

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs for capital or marketing and promotion. Specialist training may be funded at 100%. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.

2. HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

AIMS
To revitalise the local horticulture industry through a dedicated, programme based approach.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
Development and implementation of a programme of assistance and support that will assist local producers to identify new and profitable ways forward

SPECIFIC CRITERIA
- Projects involving horticultural and food products listed in Annex 1 of the EU Treaty must demonstrate how they meet State Aid Rules with regards to being clearly innovative and also show no funding is available from any other EU source.
- Polytunnels are not eligible expenditure.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs. Support may include technical assistance or capital support. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.

3. SUPPORT FOR RURAL TOURISM INITIATIVES

AIMS
To develop tourist accommodation, activities and attractions through a collaborative approach with relevant agencies and partnerships.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
Grant assistance for tourism accommodation and activity providers that develops and markets rural tourism, based on the strengths and opportunities at hand. E.g further development of the tourism infrastructure already in place, Collective marketing and promotion etc.

SPECIFIC CRITERIA
- New build is not eligible unless it is new self-catering directly linked to an activity tourism facility
- All tourist accommodation must be certified by the NITB within a designated category
- Investment in hotels is not eligible for funding
- LEADER+ funding may be granted for fixed items only
- Grant aid not available for repairs to existing buildings.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs for capital or marketing and promotion. Specialist training may be funded at 100%. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.

4. ENVIRONMENT

AIMS
To provide support for small rural businesses to develop environmental goods and services, and environmentally sensitive processes that will encourage environmental sustainability.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
Grant assistance for the development of environmental goods, services and practices, e.g. waste management, recycling, achievement of environmental quality awards etc.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs for capital or marketing and promotion. Specialist training may be funded at 100%. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.

Business Assistance

1. PATH - Provision of Advice and Technical Help for New Business

AIMS
To support the provision of technical and capital assistance to new rural micro-businesses

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
To provide advice, assistance and financial support, including capital, to new rural micro-businesses in association with organisations such as Invest NI, Local Enterprise Agencies, Princes Trust, Livewire, etc.

This will be based on demonstrated needs in co-operation with Invest NI.

SPECIFIC CRITERIA

• New businesses will be encouraged to undertake the ‘Business Start’ programme or have undergone it recently.
  
• Must create at least one job or have the potential to do so.
  
• Excludes Invest NI active clients.
  
• Must be a new business or one person self-employed.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs for capital or marketing and promotion. Specialist training may be funded at 100%. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.

2. DEVELOPING SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

AIMS
To provide support for activities which create or develop infrastructure to enable the growth of rural micro-businesses

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
Grant assistance for the development of existing/derelict buildings and incubation units. Assistance for new build, where deemed essential, in order to encourage business growth.

SPECIFIC CRITERIA
General purpose storage facilities are not deemed to be eligible

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs for capital or marketing and promotion. Specialist training may be funded at 100%. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.

3. DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE RURAL BUSINESSES

AIMS
To provide assistance for existing rural micro-businesses in order to facilitate further expansion.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY
Provision of grants to existing micro-businesses.

AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Grants will be awarded on the basis of a maximum of 50% of total eligible costs for capital or marketing and promotion. Specialist training may be funded at 100%. A limited number of projects will be supported. Contact office to discuss awards.