Grant schemes launched for rural micro businesses in Northern Ireland and media firms in Wales

Three grant schemes have launched with funding available for micro businesses based in Northern Ireland and small businesses delivering products or services for the media sector in Wales.

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

This scheme from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has a total of £1.55 million available.

The grants can be used to cover up to 50% of the cost of purchasing capital equipment to support sustainability or growth at Northern Irish rural businesses. Individual businesses can access grants of between £500 and £4,999.

Andrew Muir, minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs, said:

"I urge all eligible rural businesses to go online and apply as soon as possible.

"Rural businesses continue to play a vital role in our rural communities, and I want to support them at this challenging time and provide them with opportunities that will maximise their potential and stimulate business growth."

Businesses can apply here by 12pm on 8 November.

This is the fourth iteration of the scheme. So far, £5.078 million of grants have been provided to 1,547 rural micro businesses in Northern Ireland.

Media Cymru Scale Up Fund

This is round two of a scheme delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of Media Cymru, a five year programme that aims to turn the Cardiff Capital Region into a global hub for media production and innovation.

The schemes has grants of between £100,000 and £250,000 to micro, small and medium businesses that are developing innovative products, services or experiences for the media sector in Wales.

As well as being a registered business with a business address in Wales, applicants must be based in the Cardiff Capital Region or collaborate with at least one UK registered business, academic institution, charity, not for profit, public sector organisation or research and technology organisation in the region.

Businesses can apply here by 11am on 4 December.

Media Cymru Seed Fund

This scheme provides up to £10,000 for freelancers and SMEs that are developing ideas for new products, services or experiences in the media sector in Wales.

Businesses can apply here by 12pm on 31 October.

Related resources

Enterprise Nation's Funding Hub

Webinar: How to find and apply for government grants

Where to find grants and how to apply

10 small business grants you could be eligible for

Realising the Remarkable £3,000 small business grants

Enterprise Nation and VistaPrint have once again joined forces to provide cash grants worth £60,000 to 20 small business owners. The winners will also receive marketing and design support. Apply now.