Christchurch and East Dorset Councils have held another successful event in support of rural businesses in the region. The event was part of our ongoing initiative to provide economic growth and business development services and we were delighted to have the opportunity to give our dedicated guidance on funding schemes. The ‘Funding for Rural Business,’ event took place on 9 December. The event was run in association with the Northern Dorset Local Action Group and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.
Over 25 rural businesses attended the event. We were able to inform them on two relevant European funding schemes designed to support projects that encourage economic growth in rural areas. These two funding schemes included 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.
Gathering at The Hub, Verwood, rural businesses in the area had the great opportunity to get together, discuss ideas for the future and network. The Northern Dorset Local Action Group’s LEADER Programme was on hand to provide detailed information on capital funding to support farm, forestry, community, business and tourism projects. There was also dedicated one-to-one surgeries giving business owners the opportunity to discuss their projects with expert advisors from the LEADER team and Rural Payments Agency. They were able to get everyone up to speed on all the potential funding options that are being opened up to rural businesses.
Sarah Harbige Dorset LEADER Programme Manager, said: “We would like to thank everyone who attended the event. This has been a great opportunity for businesses in the area to benefit from our initiatives. We were glad to inform businesses on the government’s Growth Programme and provide workshops to help those in attendance prepare for completing the LEADER Programme application forms. We look forward to hosting many more events in the future”
At the event, Northern Dorset LAG were also delighted to announce that they are now open for outline applications. This has been organised alongside the Rural Payments Agency, the Dorset LEP and Christchurch and East Dorset Councils. The Applicants Handbook is now available and potential applicants can now contact us directly for application forms.
For further details on funding schemes or to request an Applicants Handbook visit: www.dorsetleader.org.uk and https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/growth-programme-grants-for-the-rural-economy