We are pleased to announce that Christchurch and East Dorset Councils will be hosting an event in support of our rural businesses. The event is part of our ongoing efforts to provide economic growth and business development services to companies across the region.
The ‘Funding for Rural Business,’ event will take place on 9 December. It will give dedicated guidance for funding schemes and will be run in association with the Northern Dorset Local Action Group and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.
The event will provide rural businesses and organisations with information regarding two new European funding schemes designed to support projects that encourage economic growth in rural areas.
These two funding schemes include a new call for applications from the government’s ‘Growth Programme’ which seeks applications from businesses and organisations looking for capital investment in small and micro-enterprises and tourism projects. We will also be providing information on The Northern Dorset Local Action Group’s LEADER Programme, which provides capital funding to support farm, forestry, community, business and tourism projects.
The event will be taking place at The Hub, Verwood, from 4.45pm to 7pm It is set to provide networking opportunities for rural businesses along with a number of dedicated one-to-one surgeries. These will give business owners the opportunity to discuss their proposed projects with expert advisors from the LEADER team and Rural Payments Agency, whilst looking at potential funding options.
Along with this, ‘Funding For Rural Business’ will also host a LEADER Outline Application Workshop. Conducted by Dorset LEADER Programme Manager, Sarah Harbige, the workshop will help those in attendance to prepare for completing the LEADER Programme application form.
Sarah Harbige said: “This is the first time that many businesses in the area will be able to benefit from the LEADER Programme. We strongly encourage all rural businesses in the region to attend and find out how the LEADER Programme plus the government’s Growth Programme could help bring your idea to fruition. The one-to-one seminars and workshops available on the day will be extremely helpful.”
For more information on the event or to book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/funding-for-rural-business-verwood-tickets-19224305415 or call James Roberts on: 01305 225525
Places at the ‘Funding For Rural Business’ event are limited so please book by 4 December to avoid disappointment.
Further details on both funding schemes can be found at: www.dorsetleader.org.uk and https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/growth-programme-grants-for-the-rural-economy