The Rural Development Programme for England Growth Programme opens for applications today (Monday 4th November 2019).

The Growth Programme provides funding for projects in England that create jobs and growth in the rural economy, the grants are aimed at small businesses or micro businesses including social enterprises in rural areas, farmers, or members of the farm household diversifying into non- agricultural activities, there are three categories of grant available: Business Development, Food Processing and Rural Tourism Infrastructure.

Grant funding can help pay for constructing or improving buildings, buying new equipment and machinery and capital expenditure on tourism infrastructure.

The minimum grant is £20,000 covering up to 40% of a project's eligible costs, this would equate to a project spend of £50,000. The maximum grant is €200,000 (approximately £175,000) would equate to a project spend of £437,500, in some instances further funding is available for food processing applications.

If you are interested in developing your existing rural business or looking at options for new rural enterprises please contact Davina Fillingham at Dee Atkinson and Harrison on 01377 253151 for further information. Expressions of Interest need to be submitted before midnight on Sunday 16th February 2020, early applications are advised.