Organisations and businesses are being invited to submit an application for the next round of funding in the LEADER programme.
Projects are invited to submit an application for the LEADing Rural Business small capital grant funding programme that result in growth and job creation in the rural economy.
Bidding applications are welcomed to:-
– Support Cultural and Heritage new initiatives, or enhance or improve existing activities or places, of a cultural or historic nature.
– Support Provision of Rural Services initiatives, or improve existing access to services and the provision of infrastructure in rural areas.
The call for bids opened on Wednesday 30 March. The range of potential capital grants will be between £2,500 and £35,000.
The key objectives of the programme include the growth in the rural economy and the creation of additional rural employment in rural Worcestershire.
The Worcestershire ‘LEADing Rural Business’ programme is funded through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2014-2020 under the LEADER approach, utilising money from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Jill Hall, Chair of Worcestershire Local Action Group: “This is a great opportunity for rural communities and businesses to work together to enhance rural infrastructure for residents and visitors. Worcestershire is a county with a thriving rural cultural heritage, and I encourage applicants to discuss their idea with the LEADER programme.”
Cllr Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure said: “Worcestershire has a very strong rural and agricultural economy, and the county is leading the way in rural business innovation. The LEADER programme offers fantastic support to rural businesses, as well initiatives to improve culturally or historically significant sites, and I would encourage any interested organisations or individuals to find out more about the funding opportunities available.”
For more information and how to be a steering group member on the programme, visit the Worcestershire Business Central website.
The closing date will be Thursday 12 May 2016. For further information or an application form contact Hollie Kirk, Project Manager on 07957 632 520 or email hkirk@worcestershire.gov.uk.