Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

Coverage: Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Pendle, Pennine Lancashire, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre,

Finance Type: Rural Development,

Summary

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is jointly funded by the Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to support new and existing businesses in rural areas, which demonstrate high growth potential.  The programme aims to improve competitiveness in the agriculture and forestry sector; safeguard and enhance the rural environment and foster competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities.

While the North West Development Agency is responsible for its delivery, Lancashire County Council is delivering the funding at a local level and has established 3 Local Action Groups (LAG) which cover the county, which includes the Pennine, West and North Lancashire LAGs. The 3 key measures include: 123 Adding Value to Agricultural and Forestry products to support processing, marketing and development of existing and new products including new technologies and forestry products; 311 Diversification into non-agricultural activities to support existing farms to restructure  and finally, 312 Support, Creation and Development of Micro Enterprises in rural areas.

Funding:

The minimum project expenditure is £10k with no upper limit.  Typically, the grant provides ‘up to’ 50% of the project costs for Measures 311 and 312 and up to 40% for Measure 123.  The amount of support available will depend on the individual proposal and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.  The remaining project costs will need to be covered by the applicant.  Eligible items for grant funding include marketing support, product development, branding and design costs, market research and feasibility studies, technical support and capital investment (but not the purchase of land and buildings, vehicles, websites, unless part of a larger project).

Process:

Eligible applicants, determined by their post code, are referred to Businesslink for a diagnostic review to determine if the project is feasible.  If approved, an Expression of Interest form is issued for completion and consideration by the LAG officer.  Successful applicants should submit an application form, together with a completed Business Plan and cash flow forecasts for approval.  The process could take up to 6 months.

Funding: Minimum project costs £10,000 - grant up to 50% of total project costs

Type of Funding: Grant

Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Sunday 31st March 2013

Eligibility: Eligibility determined by postcode and feasibility review

Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Regenerate Pennine Lancashire is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

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