19/01/2016 - Permalink

South Shropshire businesses and groups encouraged to bid for funding

Related topics: Partner organisations

Press release from Southern Shropshire LEADER Programme

Businesses, groups and organisations in south Shropshire have until Monday 8 February 2016 to apply for funding on offer through the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme – with future funding rounds set to open later in the year.

The Southern Shropshire LEADER Local Action Group has secured £2.032 million of European funding through the LEADER Programme (2015-2020). LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The LEADER Local Development Strategy seeks to implement the six national LEADER priorities:

  • Increasing farm productivity in ways which enhance natural capital;
  • Developing sustainable micro and small enterprises and farm diversification;
  • Building rural tourism making the most of Shropshire’s assets;
  • Improving rural services to support business growth and development;
  • Enhancing the natural, cultural and heritage attractions of the area;
  • Increasing woodland and forest productivity in ways which enhance natural capital.

Businesses, groups or organisations wishing to apply for funding will need to demonstrate a benefit to the local rural economy and a connection to the landscape which should contribute to the creation of jobs or the development of businesses in the Southern Shropshire LEADER rural area.

The amount of grant available is dependent on the outputs of the project but a typical maximum grant will be between £35,000 and £40,000.

Councillor Tim Barker, Chair of the Southern Shropshire Local Action Group, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured funding for rural businesses operating throughout southern Shropshire and are confident that it will contribute towards a stronger and more sustainable rural economy. This programme is specifically targeted at smaller businesses and I would encourage anyone who might want to apply to either contact us or have a look at the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme website.”

To find out more about the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme, to discuss a potential project idea, or to obtain an Application pack please contact the LEADER Programme Manager at Shropshire Council on 01743 255067 or email pete.banford@shropshire.gov.uk

Further details about the Southern Shropshire LEADER programme can be found here.