Rural businesses and organisations in the Heart of the South West can still apply to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) for grants through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme.
£12.4 million of European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) funding is available to support projects that increase rural jobs, growth and productivity in the Heart of the South West
Funding is split across three specific strands:
- £2,784,740 for ‘Rural Business Development Grants’ – Farm businesses diversifying into non-agricultural activity and new or existing micro and small businesses (including social enterprises) in rural areas can apply for capital grants between £35,000 and £170,000 to support business start-up or expansion.
- £7,540,000 for ‘Food Processing Grants’ – New or existing food and drink processing businesses (including farm businesses diversifying into food and drink processing) can apply for capital grants from £35,000 to support business start-up or expansion.
- £2,088,555 for ‘Rural Tourism Infrastructure’ –Rural businesses, farmers, landowners, charities and public bodies can apply for capital grants from £35,000 for projects that improve the local rural tourism offer by delivering new or enhanced rural tourism assets and infrastructure.
There is a competitive and two-stage application process, comprising an expression of interest and a full application. Match-funding is also required. Further details of funding opportunities and how to apply are available here.
For projects with a funding agreement in place prior to the UK’s exit from the EU, funding will be guaranteed by Her Majesty’s Treasury even if projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU. Visit here for more details.
For any queries relating to these funding opportunities through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme, please contact the Rural Payments Agency at GPEnquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk