Micro and small businesses and community organisations in rural areas of Gloucestershire can now access a new funding stream.

Grants are available from the RDPE Growth Programme and the two LEADER programmes which are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

GFirst LEP says the Growth Programme - Tourism Infrastructure has £2.8million of funding available (increased from £1.7 million) to encourage visitors to spend more time and money in the rural parts of the county.

Small businesses, social enterprises, farmers, land-owners, rural community groups, charities and public bodies can apply.

These grants (for capital investments) range from £35,000 up to about £170,000 and are for investments that will help grow and develop tourism in rural areas.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Extend the tourism season

• Create new jobs

• Demonstrate a benefit to the wider economy in rural Gloucestershire

• create new or develop existing attractions particularly;

• Outdoor activities

• Arts and crafts

• Local history and heritage

• Local food & drink tourism

• Film & TV tourism

Create infrastructure to develop outdoor activities particularly walking and cycling for both the Forest of Dean and Cotswold areas.

Private match funding is required for the majority of projects.

The application process is in two stages; an Expression of Interest and if approved, an invitation to submit a Full Application (deadline for EOI is 31st May 2018).

For more information visit

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment 

Contacts for further information about the Growth Programme: Helpline number 03000 200 301 or email GPEnquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk.

Capital investment grants from the LEADER programme are available now from £5,000 to £100,000 (up to 40% of total eligible costs) for micro/small businesses, and from £5,000 to £50,000 to farmers, foresters, community groups and other organisations.

The programme is open to applicants for projects which support national and local key investment priorities. These are; farm productivity; business support/farm diversification; tourism; culture and heritage and forestry productivity.

Grants will be awarded on first come, first served basis. All applications must contribute to the creation of jobs, growth in businesses or organisations and demonstrate a benefit to the wider economy in rural Gloucestershire.

Contacts for further information about the LEADER programme:

Rural areas in Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury Borough, Neil Batt, Programme Manager, Tel. 01594 812608 email: neil.batt@fdean.gov.uk or visit www.forestandtewksleader.co.uk

Rural Areas in Cotswolds, James Webb, Programme Manager, Tel. 01451 862033, email: james.webb@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk or visit www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

If you would like to know more about either of these funding streams, the application process or to discuss your project idea, there are two events:

Thursday 11th January, 10am to 12 noon at the Kings Head in Cirencester.

Wednesday 24th January, 10am to 12 noon at Vantage Point, Mitcheldean, Forest of Dean.