What is the grant available for?
The Lincolnshire LEADER fund closed to new applicants on 1st September 2018 to allow current applications to be processed and contracted before BREXIT. Should any further calls for funding be launched in the future they will be advertised here.
Please email your contact details to lincsleader@lincolnshire.gov.uk if you wish to be contacted about future funding opportunities.
Grants can be used towards the purchase of capital equipment, machinery, innovative technology or construction costs to expand or improve property. All investments should lead to the creation of new jobs or the economic growth of a business.
Costs that cant be funded include salaries, running costs, like for like repair or replacements of existing items, standard computers and standard business software, moveable fittings such as desks and chairs.
Any eligibility criteria
Grants are available to support start-up businesses, micro and small businesses (with fewer than 50 employees), farmers, horticulturalists and those involved in tourism, heritage and rural services initiatives.
Applicants must be located in the Wash Fens area which covers the rural parts of Boston Borough, South Holland and the eastern edge of South Kesteven; Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings. A map of the eligible area can be downloaded from www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/washfensrdpe
Applicants based in the urban centres of Spalding and Boston cannot apply.
What grant amounts are available?
Grants are available up to 40% of project costs and are typically in the range of £2,500 to £40,000. Higher amounts can be awarded in exceptional circumstances, for example where significant jobs will be created.
Who provides the grant?
LEADER is an EU grant from the Rural Development Programme for England. The Wash Fens is one of five Local Action Groups (LAGs) responsible for delivering LEADER funding across Greater Lincolnshire. For more information about LEADER visit: https://www.gov.uk/rural-development-programme-for-england-leader-funding. For details of other LEADER groups operating in Lincolnshire visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/funding
How to apply for the grant?
Download the Wash Fens Applicant Handbook, Expression of interest Form and Guidance Notes from www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/washfensrdpe
Expression of Interest Forms can be submitted at any time to washfens@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Expressions of Interest are usually processed within 10 working days. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application.
Please visit the webiste
Contact information:
Wash Fens Rural Development Programme
Frances McIntyre, Sheila Whittle
Address
c/o South Holland District Council Priory Road Spalding PE11 2XE
http://www.washfens-rdpe.co.uk
01775 764496, 01522 550642
Additional information
Closing Date: 12/08/2019