Grants available

Grants available to help Warwickshire's rural businesses

Coventry and Warwickshire's rural businesses are being invited to apply for grants aimed at supporting tourism in the region's rural areas. Applications are being invited from existing and new businesses, communities, farmers and landowners in rural areas that are seeking grant assistance to invest in visitor attractions, tourist information and recreational infrastructure. Grants from £35,000 to up to £75,000 are available depending on state aid already received. Total funding available is £150,000.

The scheme is being administered by the Rural Payments Agency on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP). The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) allocated to the Coventry and Warwickshire area. The aim of the grants is to encourage longer visits to rural Warwickshire, greater spend and repeat visits. Other applicants might include organisers of sustainable events and festivals that attract overnight as well as day visitors.

Warwickshire County Council Leader and CWLEP Board Director Cllr Izzi Seccombe said: "The Local Enterprise Partnership is committed to the development of tourism to support economic growth and the creation of jobs. We welcome this additional funding and the opportunities it will create for local organisations and businesses." Catherine Mallyon, Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, CWLEP Board Director and Chairman of CWLEP's Culture & Tourism Business Group, said: "This funding could make a real difference to cultural and tourism businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and lead to more visitors to our area. I would encourage companies working in this sector to assess the opportunity and apply.”

Guidance for applicants and the application process can be found at https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/tourism-call-in-coventry-and-warwickshire-06rd15to0002 or by calling the Rural Payments helpline on 0300 0200 301 or email GPEnquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 30th October.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is also able to support businesses with a range of support and advice and is available on 0300 060 3747.

Date:

Tuesday, 25 August, 2015

Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,