LEADER funding available to support rural enterprise
Rural businesses are encouraged to apply for grant funding from the Fieldfare LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) to support projects that will create jobs and boost the local economy.
Farmers, foresters, growers, rural businesses and rural communities have until the end of August 2018 to bid for a share of a £1.6million fund across the East Hampshire, Eastleigh & Winchester areas.
LEADER is the method of delivering rural development programme funding to beneficiaries through Local Action Groups, ensuring that individuals with local knowledge are involved in key decisions about how funds are spent. The funding exists to support the regeneration of rural communities.
The six priority areas for investment are: Farming productivity, micro and small businesses (including farm diversification), tourism, forestry productivity, rural services and culture and Heritage; successful projects will:
- Create jobs
- Increase farm or forestry productivity / efficiency
- Develop new markets
- Increase visitor spend in the area or
- Provide an essential rural service.
The Fieldfare LEADER programme is delivered in partnership with Winchester City Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority. Further details about Fieldfare LEADER can be found at www.Fieldfareleader.org.uk