Could you qualify for a rural grant?

The RDPE is investing £63m in retaining, growing and attracting businesses which sustain rural communities—and you could be eligible for funding. 80% of our region is rural, so it’s vital that new and existing business outside of our towns and cities get the support they need to grow and succeed.

What is the RDPE?

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a ‘pot’ of money allocated to England from the EU and Defra via the European Fund for Rural Development. It has three aims:

  • Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
  • Improving the environment and the countryside
  • Improving the quality of life in rural areas, and encouraging diversification of the rural economy

What sort of funding could you get?

There are 3 different types of funding schemes:

  • If you’re starting a new business or growing an existing one, the Rural Enterprise Investment Programme (REIP) could provide grants of 50% when the projects costs are £50,000 or more.
  • If you’re starting or expanding a new rural micro-enterprise (ie with less than 10 employees), the Rural Business Support Programme (RBSP) can provide grants of up to 50% when the project is worth up to £50,000 (through Business Link).
  • If you’re introducing new technology to promote resource efficiency on a farm, the Farm Resource Efficiency Programme (FREP) could provide grants of up to 50% (to a maximum of £25,000) for capital equipment projects such as renewable power, heat, rainwater harvesting or manure management for farming and horticultural businesses.

Who is eligible for a grant?

Many types of enterprises within a rural postcode could be eligible for funding—including those in tourism, food and drink, creative industries, forestry and woodland and renewable energy.

What is Yorkshire Forward’s involvement?

We’re responsible for delivering the socio-economic elements of the RDPE in Yorkshire & Humber. The programme, which is jointly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the UK government, will enable Yorkshire Forward to deliver over £63m of investment.

Why is Yorkshire Forward concerned with rural business?

Businesses in rural areas, or those which work closely with food producers, are vital not only to the social fabric of rural communities, bus also the region’s economy. We want rural businesses to be in the best position to survive the recession but also to expand or improve in a way which will lend a competitive edge in the upturn.
 

Want to know more?
 

  • For help with checking whether you’re eligible, guidance as to which grant is right for you, and a step-by-step guide to the application process, visit the rural section of our website.
  • Find out more about the RDPE by reading our ‘rural business support’ special supplement in the Yorkshire Post.
  • Visit the RDPE section of the Yorkshire Forward website.