Last chance to secure rural funding
Time is running out for rural businesses in East Hampshire, Eastleigh and Winchester area to bid for a share of a £1.6m fund.
Farmers, foresters, growers, rural businesses and communities have until the end of August 2018 to secure a share of the LEADER fund from the Fieldfare Local Action Group (LAG).
The scheme supports projects that will create jobs and support the rural economy. Rural businesses can get up to £100,000 and 40% grant funding for projects which might be as simple as purchasing a new piece of equipment.
One business which has recently benefitted from LEADER funding is independent café and shop Sweet Corner in Bishop’s Waltham which used the fund to purchase new equipment.
Sophie Pritchard owner of Sweet Corner, said:
This funding meant we could make a big splash when we re-opened Sweet Corner in new premises, because we installed lots of new equipment ready for the launch. The coffee machine in particular has been a fantastic investment – without the grant we couldn’t have afforded to buy it.
Rebecca Corbett from Holden Farm, a traditional family-owned campsite near Cheriton, added:
This grant enabled me to get my business off the ground and I am hugely grateful.
Portfolio Holder for Economy and ward councillor for Bishop’s Waltham, Cllr Rob Humby said:
This is a great opportunity for rural businesses in the District to access funding which can help them grow and create jobs.
As a local councillor for Bishop’s Waltham, I have seen first-hand the positive impact LEADER has had on Sweet Corner, and I hope other businesses can follow their lead and apply for funding before the deadline.
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 for funding will create jobs, increase farm or forestry productivity, develop new markets, increase visitor spend in an 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