South Suffolk and north Essex rural business start-ups will need to act fast to benefit from a European Union grant windfall.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)/EU-funded LEADER rural grant programme has been operating in the Wool Towns area for two years and the last opportunity to submit a first stage grant application is early autumn 2018.
So far, grants from £10,000 to £175,000 have been awarded to a variety of rural business development projects from new plant at Fairfields Farm Crisps at Wormingford, near Colchester, to a new fruit juice processing line at DC Williamson, near Manningtree.
Programme manager Gavin Talbot said: “The Leader grants are enabling rural businesses to put their good ideas into action, helping to grow and ultimately employ more staff. If you are looking to grow your business and create jobs, then get in touch.”
For an informal discussion about project ideas and developing plans, contact the Suffolk County Council LEADER Team at ruraldevelopment@suffolk.gcsx.gov.uk or phone Paul Henry, LEADER facilitator, on 07702 141284.
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