Funding for Rural Businesses in Leicestershire & Rutland

Posted: 7^th August 2017

LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England and provides funding at a local level. There is £1 million of funding available for local projects that develop the economies of the rural Peterborough and Rutland areas.

We are actively promoting and raising awareness of the LEADER Programme within rural Peterborough and Rutland as the funding is only available for a limited amount of time as the Programme will end in March 2019. This is a fantastic opportunity for rural businesses to access funding which is not often available in the area. We would appreciate you passing this information on to any contacts or networks who may be interested in applying for LEADER funding.

Delivered by Opportunity Peterborough, the Rural Peterborough and Rutland LEADER programme funding is managed by a Local Action Group (LAG). The LAG is made up of local volunteers who have relevant public or private business experience. Projects must contribute to one or more of the 6 LEADER priorities, which are:

• Support micro and small businesses and farm diversification
• Boost rural tourism
• Increase farm productivity
• Increase forestry productivity
• Provide rural services
• Provide cultural and heritage activities

How do I apply for LEADER funding?

Anyone looking to apply for LEADER funding should first visit the Rural Peterborough and Rutland Programme website www.leaderfunding.co.uk or call the Programme Facilitator Sheila O’Brien to discuss the project on 01733 317404.

The Programme Facilitator is available to support and guide applicants through the application process. This is a two stage process which includes completing an Expression of Interest form and if signed off, completing a Full Application which is reviewed by the Local Action Group who decide if the project is to be funded.

What will LEADER fund?

LEADER will fund farmers, growers, foresters, other local rural businesses and rural community organisations to help:

• create jobs
• develop and grow rural businesses
• support the rural economy

How much funding is available?

The grant amount will depend on:

• the type of project
• the size of the business
• the costs involved (NB: not all costs of a project may qualify for funding)

The minimum grant that can be applied for is £2,500 and the current maximum grant amount is £50,000.

Grants are typically limited to a maximum of 40% of the project’s total eligible costs. However, certain projects could be eligible for a higher percentage rate.

For more information

Visit: Leaderfunding.co.uk

or call Sheila O’Brien on 01733 317404

Opportunity Peterborough

T: +44 (0) 1733 317404

E: leaderfunding@opportunitypeterborough.co.uk

W: www.opportunitypeterborough.co.uk