Rural Growth Programme – Deadline 16TH Feb 2020 – min grant £20k
The Growth Programme provides grants for small rural businesses to create jobs and growth in the rural economy. Examples of eligible projects include farm diversification, food processing and development of tourism infrastructure. The minimum grant is £20,000 which in most cases means a minimum overall spend of £50,000 based on a 40% grant. There is a two-stage application process and the first stage is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 16th February 2020. Guidance notes and application forms are on the following link: RDPE Growth Programme.
Leader Programme in Cumbria – deadline noon on 14th Jan – up to £20k grant
The Leader Programmes in Cumbria re-opened this week as they have an underspend. The grant is similar to the Growth Programme but is for smaller projects of up to £20,000 grant with a minimum grant of £2,500. Deadlines are very tight with the Expression of Interest form needing to be submitted by noon on 14th January 2020. Projects will need to be completed by 30th September 2020. More information is on the following links:
www.fellsanddales.org.uk/how-to-apply
http://www.sbeleader.org.uk/how-to-apply
The Farmer Network provides members with free e mail and telephone advice and can help prepare applications at a discounted rate. In Cumbria, it may be possible to provide help with an EOI through the Cumbria Growth Catalyst programme – see below. Call Veronica Waller on 01524 782797, or e mail: Veronica@thefarmernetwork.co.uk.