McIlveen delivers boost to rural businesses in the Ards and North Down area

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has delivered almost £25,000 in grant funding to three companies in the rural Ards and North Down area.

The funding, part of the £1million LEADER Rural Business Investment Scheme planned for Ards and North Down, has been offered to three businesses in the area: DV Diving, Carrowdore; Broomcottage Soaps and Cosmetics of Carrowdore; and Seafish Industry Training Association (NI) Ltd, based in Portavogie.

Highlighting the benefits the funding will bring, the Minister said: “I am delighted to be handing over the first Letters of Offer under the Rural Business Investment Scheme to businesses in the Ards and North Down area.

“There is a wealth of entrepreneurial talent and potential in this area, and indeed across all of our rural communities – these three companies typify these qualities, and I wish them every success as they take their projects forward.

“Around £1million of support will be made available under the Rural Business Investment Scheme to help local businesses in the Ards and North Down rural areas grow and develop. I look forward to delivering more grants to rural companies in this area, and around the province, under this programme over the coming months.”

Councillor Robert Adair, Chair of Rural Partners Ards and North Down LAG commented: “I am delighted to see the first Letters of Offer for business investment grant funding issued by the LAG. A further call for applications to the Business Investment Scheme is due to open shortly with over £1million funding available throughout the lifetime of this programme. Local businesses should consider how funding from this scheme could assist the development of their rural business.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption - Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has delivered almost £25,000 in grant funding to three companies in the rural Ards and North Down area, including Seafish Training Association of Portavogie. Pictured with the Minister during the handover of Letters of Offer at Newtownards Town Hall are Cllr Robert Adair, Chairperson of Ards and North Down Rural Partnership; Juanita Emerson and Susanne Young of Seafish Training Association; and Vice Chairperson David Kirkpatrick.
2. More information on the Rural Business Investment Scheme is available on the DAERA website.
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