Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises Grant

Grants will be provided to both existing and start up businesses with the aim of supporting a growing rural economy.

Local rural businesses support the rural economy by maintaining and creating jobs, growing local supply chains and bringing investment into the area.

Vibrant local communities rely on high quality and diverse local services and business. The objective of this fund is to support a diverse business base to support a local community.

Grants are available for between £5,000 and £100,000. 60% match funding required.

Examples of the types of projects we could fund include;

• Starting a new business
• Construction costs or establishment/improvement costs for workshops, factories, premises and facilities
• Marketing costs (but not hard copy material)
• Purchasing equipment (not consumables)
• Expanding a business
• Social service provision
• Processing and marketing of agricultural products
• Developing craft and handicraft activities
• Setting up an IT business
• Intangible investments e.g. acquisition or development of computer software
• Acquisition of patents, licences, copyrights, trademarks
• Setting up a food or drinks business
• Leisure, recreational and sport activities
• General costs such as architect, engineer and consultants fees up to a maximum of 15% of total project costs.