Rural businesses and organisations can now apply to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) for grants through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Growth Programme:

•£2,784,740 for ‘Rural Business Development Grants’ – Farm businesses diversifying into non-agricultural activity and new or existing micro and small businesses (including social enterprises) in rural areas can apply for capital grants between £35,000 and £170,000…

•£7,540,000 for ‘Food Processing Grants’ – New or existing food and drink processing businesses…

•£2,088,555 for ‘Rural Tourism Infrastructure’ – Rural businesses, farmers, landowners, charities and public bodies can apply for capital grants from £35,000 for projects that improve the local rural tourism offer by delivering new or enhanced rural tourism assets and infrastructure.

Further details at http://heartofswlep.co.uk/news/new-eu-funding-available-rural-tourism-businesses-heart-south-west/

And to see the ‘calls’ and apply go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme