grants to invest in the norfolk coast and broads
Between now and the end of 2013, £3.8 million is available within the Norfolk Coast & Broads area through the Rural Development Programme for England to invest in agri-business development and diversification, water use and distribution, sustainable rural tourism, local food and rural business development.
Who can apply for funding?
Businesses working in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, forestry, or anyone looking to set up a new micro enterprise. Projects will be considered if they support our rural development priorities and can make a positive contribution to the area.
what to do next...
How can I apply?
The first stage is to visit the RDPE network website to find out more details about the programme. If your business qualifies, you should download, complete the outline project ideas form you find there and return it to rdp@easton-college.ac.uk by no later than 5.00 pm on the 30 April 2012.
The form captures what you want to do, why you want to do it, how much it will cost and how much funding you are looking for. Once you have submitted your application you be contacted to let you know whether you are eligible and what the next stage for you and your project will be.
How long can it take?
Timing depends on the size of your project and how much funding you require. Small projects looking for less than £50,000 funding can apply through a reduced process. This can take approximately six to eight. Larger projects are required to progress through a three-step process, which can take three to six months.
further information
Farm Businesses:
For farmers, support is available for:
- Diversification into an alternative business to provide an additional income source for the farm.
- Modernisation of farm holdings to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the business.
- Improvement in water use and storage facilities to enable efficient use of water.
- Adding value to food crops through efficiencies or technology improvements
Rural Businesses:
Business within the area can get support for:
- Initiatives that can help to get local food to the market, through closing the gap along the supply chain.
- Tourism projects that reduce pressure on valued environments in the area.
- Education of visitors and encouragement to visit alternative locations away from sensitive environments
- Entrepreneurship, growth and the creation of employment opportunities
The parts of Broadland eligible to apply for this funding include:
| Acle | Postwick with Witton |
| Belaugh | Rackheath |
| Blofield | Reedham |
| Brundall | Salhouse |
| Cantley | South Walsham |
| Freethorpe | Sprowston |
| Great and Little Plumstead | Strumpshaw |
| Halvergate | Upton with Fishley |
| Hemblington | Woodbastwick |
| Lingwood and Burlingham | Wroxham |
For more details and to discuss project ideas, please contact the local facilitator Carol Allen at callen@easton.college.ac.uk
external links
rdpe network - rural economy grant
contact us
| Economic Development Team |
|---|
| Broadland District Council Thorpe Lodge 1 Yarmouth Road Thorpe St Andrew Norwich NR7 0DU |
| tel: 01603 430611 |
| fax: 01603 430561 |
| email: business@broadland.gov.uk |