Grant funding available for Micro Enterprises and Small Businesses in Rural Areas
There is £200,000 available for grants from £35,000 up to £100,000 for rural micro and small businesses in Warwickshire.
All businesses can apply with priority given to businesses in identified priority sectors (manufacturing including agri-food; engineering; IT services; and digital & creative).
The European Growth Programme provides Business Development funding to help micro-enterprises with less than 10 employees, and small businesses with less than 50 employees, which will create jobs and boost the economy in England. These grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) manages the grants, working with Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and its local partners including Warwickshire Rural Growth Network and the University of Warwick Science Park, who provide access to financial advice and support to rural businesses.
Funding is available for rural businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and eligible businesses are invited to apply for the first round of funding. The grant rate is 40% and the businesses will have to contribute towards 60% of the cost of their projects. Examples of the types of activity that can be supported include construction, re-construction or establishment of workshops, factories, plants and other premises and facilities; food and drink processing and marketing; and farm diversification activities that will create business growth.
Applications need to be submitted to the Rural Payment Agency by the deadline of 19th June, 2015. For more information click here
If you would like help in completing an application form, please contact Matthew Epps on 01926 412566 or email: ruralgrowthnetwork@warwickshire.gov.uk