What funding is available?
Finance for setting up a new business may be available from various government and support organisations. Funding applications are normally judged on the soundness of the proposed enterprise, the strength of the business plan submitted and the overall viability of a project.
The sourcing of funding is often complicated. Rural Enterprise Advisers are perhaps the best starting point from which to determine how to proceed with trying to obtain funding.
The main sources as they apply to farmers are:
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
The Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will provide grant assistance for on-farm and off-farm diversification projects through a range of programmes under the new round of EU Structural Funds 2001-2006.
Rural Development Programme
The Rural Development Programme (RDP) is aimed at improving the economic, social and environmental conditions in rural areas throughout Northern Ireland.
It brings together a wide range of support schemes and programmes for the farming, forestry and primary processing sectors, rural enterprise and business development, diversification and rural tourism. It includes measures to support and encourage rural communities and delivers the LEADER initiative for local innovation in rural areas.
Whether you are a farmer, a member of a farm family, community organisations or one of the many other people who live or work in the countryside, the RDP may be able to help you. From farm modernisation, training and advice, to developing a new business idea or simply wanting to play a part in enhancing your local community, support may be at hand.
To learn more, please visit the Rural Development Programme website. The website contains a range of information on what support is available. It includes details of who can apply, how to apply and who to contact for further information and also showcases a number of successful projects which demonstrate what can be achieved.
We hope it will inspire you, help you to determine what the RDP can do to support you, and demonstrate how you can play a part in growing opportunities together.
The Rural Development Programme is an initiative managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) 
and part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
and part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Business Innovation Link
Business Innovation Link is intended for the inventor or individual with a good product idea who is seeking technical advice and financial support towards product design and development. Further information is available on 028 9041 9970.
Shell LiveWIRE Shell LiveWIRE provides advice, information and funding for young people under 30 years of age to help them start up in business. Contact 028 9055 3800 or visit the LiveWire web site
Prince's Youth Business Trust
The Prince's Youth Business Trust helps young people make a success of their lives by providing training, grants and support for young business start-ups. Further information can be obtained on 028 9074 5454 or visit the Prince's Youth Business Trust web site
