The Rural Economy Grant (REG) provides grants to enable a significant ‘game-changing', transformational performance in farm, forestry, tourism, agri-food businesses in rural areas in England. Project applications will need to demonstrate that as a result of a grant their business will achieve a significant step change in performance (such as job creation, increased turnover, access to new markets etc.). The minimum amount you can apply for is £25,000, and the maximum proportion of support available is 40% of total project costs.
Please note that a small grant scheme that will provide grants under £25,000 is likely to open in May 2012.
How to Apply
The application process includes two stages: Outline and Full.
Stage 1 Outline Application - Round 1 to be submitted by 5pm on 30 April 2012.
This initial stage allows you to provide us with an outline of your project, detailing how you anticipate it will fit with the overall aims of the appropriate theme (farm competitiveness, agri-food, tourism, forestry, and micro-enterprise), the need and demand for the investment, and benefits of your project.
Stage 2 Full Application - Round 1 (subject to success at Outline stage).
Following submission of an Outline application, projects will be assessed and scored. A number of Outline applications which have scored well will be invited to bring forward Full applications.
To help you complete your Outline application, we strongly advise you read the handbook guidance and relevant theme appendix for your project;
Please follow link to Handbook, Outline application form and supporting Technical Appendices in the related information section of this page.
If you have further questions and your business is based in Shropshire please contact the West Midlands RDPE Delivery Team through the web link on this page or call 01905 768854.