Sustainable Communities
Farmers' Business Development Grants
The grants aim to support farm diversification projects such as this private venture carried out by Burbage Farms Ltd, which developed Gables Business Park
"Helping farmers to improve and diversify their agricultural businesses"
Farmers' Business Development Grants will be available to farmers to assist them to act upon ideas to diversify, add value or develop environmental schemes, as well as help with identification of training needs and skills development.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Completion Date: 31/03/2009
Location
Rural areas of Leicestershire
Project Description
Farmers' business development grants will provide valuable assistance for agricultural businesses within Leicestershire to seize opportunities for diversification and sustainable expansion - Alan Tuppen, Group Manager Regeneration & Community Development, Leicestershire County Council
Farmers' Business Development Grants will provide financial assistance to farm businesses in Leicestershire in response to farm business-related and diversification needs.
Farm businesses will be eligible to apply for grant support, up to a maximum of £5,000 or up to 50% of eligible costs.
Grants will be offered where an applicant can demonstrate that without support the proposal would either not take place, be delayed or diminished in some other way.
Grants will be available for proposals which are new business development, extension of existing activity or improvements/developments of existing activity.
Eligible capital costs might include:
Acquisition of new or used production machinery, purchase of equipment needed for new products/ ervices, purchase of specialist equipment, fixtures or fittings.
Eligible revenue costs might include:
Marketing and promotional activity, introduction of a computer or improved communication technology, training in specific employee skills or management development.
Eligible consultancy costs could cover areas such as:
Farm diversification, health and safety, business planning and management, environmental practices.
Outcomes
- The project will provide practical support for agricultural businesses to be able to diversify and add value to their current operation.
- The project will also assist in strengthening the rural economy.
Project Contacts
Project manager:
Sarah Henderson
Tel: 0116 265 7033
E-mail: shenderson@leics.gov.uk
Website: TBA
LSEP contact:
Gill Smitherman
Tel: 0116 257 5676
Email: gills@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk
