GRANTS TO HELP BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS IN RURAL AREAS

Could your business benefit from a grant of up to £35,000 from Derbyshire County Council?

Derbyshire County Council is working with Derbyshire Economic Partnership to help distribute a £1.7m funding pot from the European Union to support rural businesses in parts of Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

The aim of the funding, known as LEADER funding, is to create more jobs, safeguard existing jobs, attract investment from the private sector to the areas and develop community services. Specific focus will be given to supporting farm productivity, tourism, heritage promotion and boost woodland economy through forestry improvements.

Businesses and community groups in rural areas of Derbyshire Dales and High Peak have until Friday 31 March 2017 to apply for grants from £2,500 to £35,000 through the county council’s Peak LEADER Rural Grants Scheme.

Grants are available to help fund:

  • Farm productivity and improvement
  • Farm diversification
  • Micro and small business support
  • Developing rural services
  • Small scale culture and heritage developments and improvements
  • Rural tourism – new small tourist attractions
  • Forestry improvements (woodland management)

This is the second year the council has helped to distribute Peak LEADER Rural Grants to local businesses.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget Councillor Anne Western said: “Businesses in rural areas are at the heart of their community and play a very important role in supporting the local economy and providing jobs for people living nearby.

“It’s a key priority of ours to support businesses and community groups to help them grow and develop. Last year’s scheme was very successful and we’re delighted to be able to be able to run it again this year.

“So if you’re a small business, farmer or community group in the Derbyshire Dales or High Peak, we want to hear from you.”

To apply, visit www.derbyshireeconomicpartnership.org.uk/rural-derbyshire/leader-in-the-peak. Applications will close on Friday 31 March 2017.

Projects must either create jobs and businesses growth or develop community services to be eligible for a grant.

Bids will be considered by the programme’s Local Action Group which is made up of representatives from the Local Authorities, voluntary groups, community groups and businesses within Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

Chair of the Local Action Group Councillor Lewis Rose said: “We aim to deliver a difference by building on our successful track record of excellent partnerships and creating jobs by working with existing and new start businesses. 

“We will champion and support entrepreneurial communities, ensuring that innovative ideas to improve and add to our rural services can be tested and delivered.”

For more information about the authority’s Peak LEADER Rural Grants Scheme email LEADER Manager, Amanda Brown on amanda.brown2@derbyshire.gov.uk or call 01629 538475 or 07971314619.

The £1.7m investment is on top of a further £1.37m from the LEADER fund awarded to Bolsover and North East Derbyshire district councils to improve rural areas within their districts.

 

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