A lending platform for local and rural businesses will host events this month to help Gloucestershire businesses access EU funding.

The events hosted by Folk2Folk will:

* Help local, rural businesses, farmers and landowners learn more about the funding options available to them

* Equip and enable access to finance needed for growth, development and diversification

Professional support and insight will also be provided by local specialists Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Tanners, Hazlewoods and the Forest and Tewkesbury Borough Leader programmes.

The events will focus specifically on access to EU Leader grant funding, available to micro and small businesses in the area. Grants range from £5,000 to £100,000, with businesses able to apply for up to 40 per cent of eligible project costs. The remaining 60 per cent must be sourced from private match funding. A representative from the local Leader group will provide an overview of the scheme.

Local businesses have until December 2018 to access the grant funding, but will require paperwork in place two to three months in advance.

Ian Bell, head of farm and rural engagement at Folk2Folk, said: "Resilience is key in any business and vital as we prepare for Brexit. Leader funding creates a huge opportunity to improve efficiency and strengthen the core farming business. The farmers and business owners have an opportunity to increase the income stream through diversification. It's a simple case of use it or lose it."

The events take place:

* 28 March - Hillside Brewery, Forest of Dean 18:00 - 20:00

* 29 March - Hales Fruit Farm, Winchcombe 18:00 - 20:00

To book a place, email TewkesburyBranch@folk2folk.com