£1.447m now available to boost rural businesses

The Forest and Tewkesbury Borough Local Action Group (LAG) have secured £1.447 million of European funding through the LEADER Programme.

LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). 

The money will be allocated to micro/small businesses, farmers/foresters, growers, community groups and other organisations that can demonstrate a benefit to the local rural economy. To be successful, applications must contribute to the creation of jobs or the development of businesses in the Forest and Tewkesbury Borough LEADER rural area. 

The programme is open for applications for projects which meet its key investment priorities. These are farm productivity; business support/farm diversification; tourism; culture and heritage and forestry productivity. Grant amounts can range from £5,000 to £50,000, though the majority of applications are expected to be up to £25,000. Match funding will be required. 

Bob Watters, Chairman of the Local Action Group Executive said, “This funding from Europe comes at a time when much needed investment is required for our small businesses and social enterprises to enable them to expand and to generate new jobs and improved services The Local Development Strategy which is driving this investment was developed by local people and will be delivered by local people who understand the needs of the area and investment opportunities that will provide benefit for all. The Local Action Group will work with partners to maximise sustainable growth within the local economy”.   

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, commented: “The Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury LEADER programme is a great opportunity for local businesses to personally grow the economy with innovative ideas, from those businesses that know the local economy and area in detail. This European funding will lead to an increase in jobs in the rural sector, adding to the growth of employment in Gloucestershire.” 

To find out more about the Forest and Tewkesbury Borough LEADER programme, please visit www.forestandtewksleader.co.uk or contact the programme team on neil.batt@fdean.gov.uk or 01594 812608