Trafford Council is delighted to support local businesses in the Dunham Massey and Warburton area with a tailored drop-in event at Dunham Massey Village Hall. It will promote funding opportunities which are available for local rural businesses, particularly the LEADER rural development programme.
The LEADER Programme, part of the Rural Development Programme for England, is funded by the European Union and managed by Defra. The Programme aims to help create jobs and stimulate economic growth by providing funding for businesses and organisations looking to begin or expand their operations in rural areas.
Funding is available to Trafford businesses that are located in Dunham Massey and Warburton, with Trafford Council’s Strategic Growth team providing assistance with the application process.
Councillor John Reilly, Executive Member for Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure said: “Trafford Council’s Strategic Growth Team are thrilled that they are able to assist our rural businesses by promoting this event and providing assistance during the application process. The event will give attendees an opportunity to explore the possibility of receiving funding and have an opportunity to discuss business expansion or diversification ideas. The aim is promote the local economy, leading to increased business growth and prosperity.
I would encourage all of our rural businesses to attend the event and establish if your business is eligible for assistance. All of the key business support agencies will be on hand providing expert advice and assistance. In some cases the application can even be made on your behalf, reducing the administrative burden.”
The specifically targeted rural business event will be held at Dunham Massey Village Hall, School Lane, Dunham Massey, WA14 5SE on Thursday 9th February 2017, 9:00am – 11:00am where the LEADER Programme Manager will be in attendance. The event will allow for informal discussions with the key business support agencies to assess the eligibility of your business to the LEADER Programme and other support.
The LEADER Programme is primarily looking to support projects which will create jobs in the rural economy as well as supporting buildings of community value. The six strands of support are:
- Increasing Farm Productivity
- Micro/Small Enterprises & Farm Diversification
- Rural Tourism
- Rural Services
- Culture & Heritage
- Increasing Forestry Productivity
Grant rates will vary depending on the project; however, the minimum grant available is £2,500 and can be used towards fixed capital expenditure. Part of the project funding would need to come from private funding; for example, savings or a bank loan. However, if this is an issue Business Advisors from the Growth Hub who will be present at the event will be able to discuss opportunities to bridge any funding gap.
There is no need to confirm attendance but if you require more information about the ‘drop-in’ event or if you want to enquire if your business falls within the LEADER boundary, Trafford Council’s Senior Strategic Growth Officer, Guy Darragh, can be reached on 0161 912 1651 or via email guy.darragh@trafford.gov.uk
Posted on Wednesday 4th January 2017