The Growth Programme grant has recently been launched with the aim to create jobs and bring more money into the rural economy.  This grant is available to small rural businesses, including agricultural businesses, and can offer businesses grant funding from £35,000 to £170,000 towards projects that meet the programmes priority areas.  There are 3 main priority areas within this grant that you can apply for grant funding under, these are detailed below:
1. Business Development – this is open to all small rural business including new or existing, and farmers who want to diversify into non-agricultural activities.  E.g. Metal Fabrication Business, Woodwork Business.
2. Rural Tourism – This is open to small businesses and farmers who are looking to diversify. The grant will aim to support projects that will help fund the costs of capital expenditure on tourism infrastructure, aiming to encourage more to tourists to visit, and spend more money in rural areas. E.g. Holiday Let Accommodation.
3. Food Processing – This is open to food and drink businesses that process agricultural and horticultural products.  The grant will aim to create jobs and business growth.  E.g. Meat Processing, Milk Processing, Fruit Processing.

For further details, or to discuss potential project ideas, then please do not hesitate to contact Steph Emmerson on stephemmerson@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office.