Forest of Dean District Council is encouraging rural businesses to apply for growth grants up to £170,000.

Successful applicants must contribute to the creation of jobs, growth in businesses or organisations and demonstrate a benefit to the wider economy in rural Gloucestershire.

Capital investments grants range from £5,000 up to approximately £100,000 (LEADER Programme) and £35,000 to £170,000 (Growth Programme).

The Growth Programme is for investments that will help grow and develop tourism in rural areas, whilst the LEADER programme is able offer capital support across a wider range of priorities. These are farm productivity; business support/farm diversification; tourism; culture and heritage and forestry productivity.

The LEADER programme has already allocated £515,000 of grant funding to 20 businesses across the Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury Borough.

Interested businesses can find out more by attending a free workshop on Wednesday 24 January from 10am to 12 noon at Vantage Point, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD.

To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gloucestershire-rural-tourism-funding-workshop-forest-of-dean-tickets-40842101826 

Bob Watters, chairman of Forest and Tewkesbury Borough LEADER Programme said: "We want to see funding allocated to projects that will boost the local economy and bring employment to the district. We urge people to contact us as soon as possible and apply for a share of the funding to help grow your business or organisation."

Councillor Julia Gooch, cabinet member for Town Centres, Business Support and Jobs added: "This is an opportunity for local rural businesses to get financial support with expansion projects, so I urge anyone with business development plans to act now and get in touch."

For an informal chat contact Neil Batt, programme manager on 01594 812608, email neil.batt@fdean.gov.uk or visit the website: www.forestandtewksleader.co.uk