First Steps
Programme Measures
Business Creation and Development
Measure 3.2 Business Creation and Development
What will this Measure do?
This Measure will provide support to existing micro-enterprises or social economy businesses or to persons or groups wishing to set up a new micro-enterprise. Please note that this Measure is not applicable to businesses which will be based on-farm.
Why?
To create employment opportunities and develop economic infrastructure in rural areas.
Who can benefit?
Existing micro-enterprises and social economy businesses (not more than 10 employees). Persons wishing to set up a new micro-enterprise or social economy enterprise. Please note: This is a competitive programme.
What type of projects can be supported?
Activities could be similar to those funded via the Northern Ireland LEADER+ Programme. Types of projects that might be supported under this Measure could include:
- Day-care facilities
- Traditional skills
- Innovative manufacturing businesses
- Light engineering
What type of grant and how much?
Activity | Level of support | Maximum Grant |
| 1. Technical support for business plans or feasibility studies to help new businesses become established and to help existing businesses consolidate and expand | For all of these grants the level of support is up to 50% for the private sector and 75% for social economy enterprises including Community Groups. | Up to £5,000. |
| 2. Bespoke training, directly related to individual project applications, which is not on offer from any other provider | Up to £5,000. | |
| 3. Marketing support | Up to £5,000 | |
| 4. Grant-aid towards capital and resource costs (large grant) | Up to £50,000 |
- Social economy enterprises may provide match funding in the form of contribution in kind (20%) and cash contribution of at least 5%
- Applications may be made for a capital grant and one (or more) of the other 3 support elements on the same application. Under this scenario maximum funding available can increase to £50K
Applicants must be located in a rural area and have less than 10 employees (FTE – Full Time Equivalents) and an annual turnover of less than euros 2 millon. These limits apply to individual or linked companies.They may be:
- private individuals, aged over 18 years
- private companies or partnerships
- social economy enterprises*.
Non Eligible Activities Annex 1 Products – (refer to the instructions on the link below)http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/state-aid/agristate-aid/index.htm
B&B bed space
Retail*
Mobile Infrastructure**
Any activity that could be funded by another statutory body/council
Employment grants
Running costs e.g. heat, light etc
* Except where integral part of a craft production facility or farm shop
** Except specialised mobile infrastructure for specific project requirements
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy Sources may be funded only where it is part of a capital expenditure project for a new or expanding business. The overall project must also create employment.
