Expression of Interest Welcome for LEADER Grant in North Warwickshire, Hinckley & Bosworth

What is LEADER?
The LEADER scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Local Action Groups (LAGs) can award grants to local businesses and organisations that apply for it.

What will it fund?

Projects must fit into one of the six LEADER priorities:

  • Increasing Farm Productivity
  • Support for micro and small enterprise including farm diversification 
  • Rural tourism
  • Rural services
  • Cultural and heritage activity
  • Increasing forestry and productivity

Who can Apply?

LEADER will fund farmers, growers, foresters, community groups and local micro and small businesses (these are businesses with fewer than 50 employees). Projects must be delivered in the LEADER area and support the local rural economy by creating new jobs or increasing the number of visitors to the area.

How much can I apply for?

The amount of grant will be dependant upon a number of things, such as which priority the project fits under and the size of the business. However, typically grants will be between £2,500 and £50,000.

How much do I put in? 

In most situations the grant will only cover 40% of the total project costs. For example, if your total project is £10,000 you will be able to apply for a grant for £4,000. The rate of intervention will increase to 100% for nonprofit making projects that aim to alleviate the difficulties faced by rural communities.

What cannot be funded?

There are a number of things that will not be eligible for funding, including:

  • Costs incurred before date of funding agreement
  • Financial charges such as interest, fines and maintenance
  • Like-for-like replacements
  • Salaries and running costs for commercial business applicants
  • Costs connected with a leasing contract, insurance and overheads

How can I apply?

All potential applicants are required to contact the LEADER Programme Team to register an interest, discuss your idea and to receive an Expression of Interest (EoI) Form. The EoI is the first stage of the application process. If you are approved at EoI stage you will be invited to complete a Full Application (FA). The entire process can take at least 4-6 months from the beginning until your project is approved. Applications are accepted at anytime throughout the programme, you will be advised on decision making dates on registering an interest. You must not start any activity related to the project until you have signed the funding agreement from North Warwickshire Borough Council.

The area covered by the LEADER Programme: If you are a local rural business working within North Warwickshire or Hinckley & Bosworth you may be eligible for a LEADER grant.

LEADER Project Manager, North Warwickshire Borough Council, The Council House, South Street, Atherstone, CV9 1DE, Telephone: 01827 719 271, Email: leaderproject@northwarks.gov.uk, Twitter: @NwhbLeader, Facebook: /NWHBLEADER, Website: www.englandsruralheart.org