During a visit to Maryland Industrial Estate, Moneyreagh, Ms McIlveen congratulated three businesses who benefitted from the Rural Business Investment Scheme in 2016 and announced that the application window is now open for applications from rural businesses in Lisburn, Castlereagh and Belfast council areas to apply for grants from £30,000 to £50,000.

The scheme, delivered by Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group, provides investment support for the creation and development of micro and small enterprises (including farm diversification and private tourism businesses) in rural areas. Funding is available up to £30,000 for new rural business start-ups and up to £50,000 for the expansion of existing rural businesses.

Minister Michelle McIIveen congratulated Crossen Engineering Ltd and McGreevy Engineering Ltd, two precision engineering companies, along with KER Graphics Ltd, a self-adhesive label manufacturer, who each received a grant of £50,000 under the first call for grant aid in summer 2016.

She said: “I am delighted to visit three rural businesses today and I take great encouragement that the funding these companies have received through the Rural Business Investment Scheme has the potential to create up to 13 new jobs across each company.

“This demonstrates what the grant funding can do for businesses and how it can assist with their growth plans. The benefits are clear and I am urging rural businesses based in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and rural Belfast City Council to consider applying to the next round of the Rural Business Investment Scheme and, if successful, reap the rewards.”

Public information sessions for the Rural Business Investment Scheme will be held in Belfast and Lisburn & Castlreagh council areas, details of which are as follows:

Wednesday 8 February 2017
Location: Cherry Room, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn (Business Breakfast)
Time: 8.00am – 10.00am

Wednesday 8 February 2017
Location: Dance Studio, Moneyreagh Community Centre, Moneyreagh
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Monday 13 February 2017
Location: Meeting Room 1, Cregagh Youth & Community Centre, Belfast,
Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm

Wednesday 15 February 2017
Location: Main Hall, Hillsborough Scout & Community Hall, Hillsborough
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Tuesday 21 February 2017
Location: Main Hall, St. Clare’s Community Hall, Glenavy
Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Monday 6 March 2017
Location: Oak Room, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm

To reserve a place on any of the public information sessions or to request an application form please contact Melissa Cunningham (Lisburn & Castlereagh Council) on 028 9250 9489 or via email at: melissa.cunningham@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk