Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for developing or starting rural micro and small businesses and farm diversification.

Applications are sought from projects which support:

• The growth of micro and small rural enterprises (non-agricultural);
• New business start-ups with capital purchases;
• Improvements in productivity and efficiency of micro and small enterprises;
• Community and social enterprise start up and expansion particularly to provide rural services.
• Support new diversification activity which does not displace other businesses and business activity in the area;
• Expand existing farm diversification projects which have significant outputs;
• Contribute to significant cost savings and income generation to the farm business through the introduction of renewable technology;
• Create links between the farm and the wider local economy;
• Retain young people/new entrants in farming by increasing farm income levels to improve its sustainability.

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Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THE CALL FOR PROJECTS DOCUMENTS WHICH PROVIDES FURTHER INFORMATION AND DEADLINES