£60m Rural Economy Grant Scheme

I just wanted to make you aware of a new £60m grant scheme for rural entrepreneurs that the government launched earlier this month.

This is an exciting new scheme whereby rural businesses can apply for individual grants which could range from £25,000 to more than £1m each.  The objective is to support the businesses in increasing competitiveness and profits.

This announcement is part of a broader £165m package we are delivering to unlock the economic potential of our rural areas. It is further proof of how this Government is investing in our rural economy, supporting our countryside and driving growth in rural businesses. It also demonstrates this Government’s appreciation that we need to foster a growing and robust rural economy - for the benefit of both rural communities and the economy more widely.  This contrasts sharply with the approach of the previous Government.

Applications for grants are now being accepted and further information is available at:

http://rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk/funding-sources/rural-economy-grant