Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed a significant £7.91 million investment aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure and supporting local enterprises across Northern Ireland.

The funding, delivered through the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme and the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, has reached more than 2,350 recipients over the last year.

The investment is a core component of the Department's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework. During a visit to the Moneyslane Rural Community Organisation—which used a £1,491 grant to modernise its hub—Minister Muir highlighted the impact of the Micro Capital initiative.

Minister Muir stated: "I am delighted that 1,048 Letters of Offer for funding of £1.74million have been issued to voluntary and community organisations throughout Northern Ireland from the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme. The Scheme is a key initiative delivered through my Department's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework. It supports rural community-led, voluntary organisations in identifying and implementing projects that address locally identified poverty, isolation, loneliness and health and wellbeing issues." The Minister also visited BWE Equestrian Ltd in Ballyward to present a Letter of Offer for £5,850. This grant, part of the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, will fund the purchase of a 'Shockwave' soil decompaction machine.

Commenting on the business-focused support, Minister Muir added: "I want to take this opportunity to highlight the significant investment of £6.17million, also from my Department's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework, to 1,310 rural businesses through the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. It's been great to meet the staff of BWE Equestrian Limited, a first-time applicant to the Scheme, and to hear how the grant will help their business's sustainability and increase their potential for growth. This is exactly the type of support the scheme aims deliver across Northern Ireland."

The 2025/26 TRPSI programme provided micro-grants ranging from £500 to £2,000 for community groups. Meanwhile, the business development arm offered up to 50% capital funding, capped at £7,500, to help micro-businesses innovate, expand, and create employment.

Concluding his visit, the Minister said: "Both the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme and the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme are important contributors to my commitment to build strong, sustainable and diverse rural communities where people want to live, work and invest."