January 2020

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Deadling looming for latest round of rural grants

"This scheme is targeted very much at the businesses which are the bedrock of the rural community. I encourage all businesses to get in touch to see if they can benefit from this funding.”

Rural businesses in Warwickshire are being urged to move quickly to take advantage of newly-released grant funding to help create jobs, boost tourism and unlock growth across the county.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) growth programme provides grants for rural start-ups and businesses to purchase equipment and machinery to create jobs, boost tourism and unlock growth in rural areas.

Originally launched in 2017, it has been relaunched for a short period of time so businesses now have a chance to apply for funding in one of three areas – business development, tourism and food processing.

Companies in those areas are encouraged to explore potential projects in order to meet the expression of interest deadline of February 16th.

The scheme has already given £99 million to 546 local businesses across England, creating 3,771 new jobs in rural areas. Rural business in Warwickshire have so far been allocated £2.6 million from the two previous rounds of the scheme as Warwickshire County Council and its partners ensured that the full allocation of available funding was taken up.

Additional eligibility criteria must be met and it is recommended to discuss this with the business support team at Warwickshire Country Council in the first instance.

Warwickshire County Council strategic director for communities Mark Ryder said: “Warwickshire County Council is committed to supporting the rural economy and we are delighted that this round of funding has become available.

"This scheme is targeted very much at the businesses which are the bedrock of the rural community. I encourage all businesses to get in touch to see if they can benefit from this funding.”

To speak with a member of the county council's business support team to check eligible projects, please call 01926 412102 or email business@warwickshire.gov.uk.

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