Programme seeks innovative social enterprises

With the launch of the Rural Development Programme for England, more than £156 million is being made available to rural businesses and  communities in the South West region over the next seven years.

The Programme, funded by the EU and national Government, is designed to boost a wide range of activities in rural areas.  Priorities include improving

  • the competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry sectors and
  • the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity.

 These two Programme priorities are being managed in the region by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA).  A third, complementary priority: to improve the environment and the countryside is being delivered by the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Grant Scheme and Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

The Agency is also responsible for ensuring that five per cent of the overall Programme’s funding is spent on enabling community involvement in rural development – the Local Action programme.

Local Action was launched in the region last year with a call for expressions of interest from rural communities with plans for improving the economy and life in their communities.  More than 30 Local Action Groups have indicated an interest and detailed proposals will need to be with the RDA by 23 May.

The wider Programme objectives focus particularly on developing the rural economy.  This includes resources to improve access to services, for instance, community shops as well as innovative social enterprises around renewable energy and local sourcing and local shopping.

The Rural Development Gateway is the first point of contact for groups that want information, support or funding from the Programme. Background information can be found on the website at www.sw-ruralgateway.info and there is a web-based inquiry service.

For those who prefer to talk things through rather than use the internet, the Gateway can be contacted by calling 0845 600 9966.  The Gateway is staffed by people fully briefed on the Programme, and about other possible sources of help if the proposed project falls outside the Programme.