Rural businesses encouraged to apply for tourism grants

Coventry and Warwickshire's rural businesses are being invited to apply for grants aimed at supporting tourism in the region’s rural areas.

Applications are invited from existing and new businesses in rural areas as well as communities, farmers and landowners who are seeking grant assistance to invest in visitor attractions, tourist information and recreational infrastructure.

Grants from £35,000 to £75,000 are available depending on state aid already received. The total funding available is £150,000.

The scheme is being administered by the Rural Payments Agency on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP). The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) allocated to the Coventry and Warwickshire area.

The aim of the grants is to encourage visitors to rural Warwickshire to stay longer, spend more and want to come back again. Applications are also welcome from organisers of sustainable events and festivals which attract overnight as well as day visitors.

Warwickshire County Council Leader and CWLEP board director Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: “The Local Enterprise Partnership is committed to the development of tourism to support economic growth and the creation of jobs. We welcome this additional funding and the opportunities it will create for local organisations and businesses.”

Catherine Mallyon, Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, CWLEP Board Director and Chairman of CWLEP’s Culture & Tourism Business Group, said: "This funding could make a real difference to cultural and tourism businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and lead to more visitors to our area. I would encourage companies working in this sector to assess the opportunity and apply.”

Guidance for applicants and the application process can be found at https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/tourism-call-in-coventry-and-warwickshire-06rd15to0002 or by calling the Rural Payments helpline on 0300 0200 301 or email GPEnquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 30th October.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is also able to support businesses with a range of support and advice and is available on 0300 060 3747.