Rural businesses receive help to grow
RURAL businesses in Staffordshire are being targeted as part of a new grants initiative by the county council.
The local authority is the delivery body for a new funding stream totalling £2.25m. Its purpose is to support firms looking to strengthen their business and increase their workforce.
The Staffordshire LEADER programme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England and is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Delivered by the county council, grants can be for sums between £2,500 and £40,000 and can fund up to 40% of the total cost of a project. More can be awarded in exceptional circumstances.
Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for Rural Issues, said: “Staffordshire is a predominantly rural county and it is home to a wide diversity of business and commerce.
“This grant scheme is aimed at supporting a wide range of businesses or new entrepreneurs who can see an opportunity to expand and create jobs and need a little help in getting their idea off the ground.”
The new scheme is one of the largest LEADER programmes in England and the council said the size of the pot reflected the importance of the rural economy to the county.
The council has said priority will be given to job creation schemes and bids are expected in the following areas:
• Micro and small business support / farm diversification. Proposals could include farm-based diversification into accommodation, tourism attractions and outdoor pursuits; converting disused buildings into offices and workshops; developing niche food and drink, including farm or community shops.
• Rural tourism. Ideas could include increasing the amount and choice of overnight accommodation and enhancing and linking existing attractions.
• Increasing farm productivity. Bids could include new equipment which increases productivity or generates new business; improves sustainable use of the land; or benefits animal welfare.
• Providing rural services. Applications could include innovative and sustainable bids to create community-owned shops and improve rural transport connections to job opportunities.
• Culture and heritage activities. Bids could improve the county’s built and natural heritage; provide paths and cycle trails linking businesses to heritage sites; or promote heritage and cultural activity.
• Forestry. Proposals could include bringing woodland back under active management; collaboration on items such as equipment; or promotion of woodland produce.
Cllr Heath said: “These grants are designed to reach the parts that others don’t to create rural employment and I would urge businesses, or entrepreneurs with an idea, to get in touch and discuss it. Support will be provided to anyone wishing to apply to the LEADER programme.”
