Opportunity alerts

Rural Growth Network Grant Programme 2016-17

Fri 6th Nov 2015

RGN Funding Alert

 

Following verbal approval of funding for the Rural Growth Network Grant Programme for 2016/2017 covering rural Durham, Gateshead and Northumberland we are sending this alert to keep you informed of the opportunities available. Please note tourism accommodation projects are not eligible for this fund.

 

This is to provide you with notification that a project call for Expression of Interest to the ‘Rural Business Growth Fund’ (RBGF) is now open for applications.

 

This is one of two new RGN funding schemes being funded by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

  

This capital fund is designed to boost enterprise and business growth through expansion of productivity or diversifying into new markets or products across much of rural Northumberland, County Durham and Gateshead. 

Grant support will be directed at micro, small and medium sized businesses with growth plans. Priority will be for businesses operating in target sectors within the North East Rural Growth Network (NE RGN) area.  Grants will be available at 40% of eligible costs from a minimum of £10,000 to £60,000, subject to state aid.

Activities which can be supported include:

• Improvements/upgrade/expansion of business premises

• Purchase of capital plant and equipment

  Priority sectors include Manufacturing, Knowledge Intensive Businesses, Renewable Energy, Environment, Food and Drink and High Value Tourism. Tourism accommodation projects are not included due to alternative funding sources.

  Projects will have until 31st December to submit a completed Expression of Interest. It is a competitive process and applications are invited from projects that are well-developed, are a good fit with the eligibility criteria and capable of starting spending in 2016. Selected projects will be asked to progress at risk to Stage 2. Final decisions will be made in April 2016 which will enable successful projects to commence.

  For more information and to read summary guidance on RBGF, please visit:

http://www.archnorthumberland.co.uk/north-east-rural-growth-network/rural-growth-network-news-events/

 

Or contact Louise Liddle, RGN Implementation Officer louise.liddle@arch-group.co.uk or 01670 528458.

It is anticipated that a further call for RBGF projects will be issued in February 2016 should you be unable to make these deadlines.

Please note this fund will be in addition to the Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF). A Call for SEIF projects is currently open. This is a capital fund to support the development of business infrastructure projects that create enterprise units for multiple business users, site preparation to unlock economic development sites and Tourism Infrastructure projects of a strategic nature.

Further information regarding the Call for SEIF projects can be viewed here: http://www.archnorthumberland.co.uk/north-east-rural-growth-network/rural-growth-network-news-and-events/