Is your business based rurally? Are you running a project that creates jobs or brings more money into the rural economy? Is there a real, tangible demand for the service or product that you offer? Then you may be entitled to a grant of up to £750,000.
The Government’s RDPE Growth Programme is a scheme devised to get behind business owners operating rurally, by offering 3 different types of grant;
- Business development grants
- Food processing grants
- Rural tourism infrastructure grants
The scheme has already granted rural UK businesses almost £100 million, enabling job creation, boosting tourism and driving productivity. For this latest round of funding, £35 million is up for grab, but this figure could rise to £50 million if there is a high number of high calibre applications.
Successful applicants will be entitled to a minimum grant of £20,000 – formerly set at £35,000 – which offers small and micro-businesses greater accessibility to the scheme.
Applying for funding
- Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest form to the Rural Payments Agency by 16th February 2020, outlining how their eligibility for the scheme
- Applications considered eligible and who’s intentions align with national and local priorities will then be invited to submit a full application.
More information about the Growth Programme, including which types of projects are deemed eligible and tips for submitting an application can be found on the Government website by clicking here.
Local, rural expertise
Here at Smith Cooper, we understand the challenges facing rural businesses, but also the opportunities that are available within the sector.
With over 30 years’ experience advising owners of rural businesses and farms in the region, we are experts in the field, and take the time to understand the needs and aspirations of our clients, helping them thrive.
Our Ashbourne team specialise in providing bespoke advice to those operating rurally, so if you require expert advice on a particular topic, please get in touch today.
