Partner Article

Cash help for Northumberland SMEs

SMALL businesses in Northumberland are being encouraged to apply for funding to expand their firms.

A key objective of the Leader programme, which provides money through the Rural Development Programme for England, is supporting firms with fewer than 10 workers and less than £2million of turnover or people wishing to set up a new business.

With funding allocated for use over the next two years, the Northumberland Coast and Lowlands Local Action Group – open to residents, farmers, landowners, businesses and community groups – is actively seeking business and social enterprise projects within their area.

Ivan Hewitt, Leader Co-ordinator for this area, said: “Our aim is to work with local communities, organisations and businesses to improve employment opportunities, enhance the environment and increase the quality of life for rural communities in coastal and lowland Northumberland.

“If you have an idea for developing your small business, improving our natural and cultural assets, benefiting from bio-energy, carrying forward community development, sustaining farming and forestry, encouraging tourism and recreation, or improving basic rural services, then we would very much like to hear from you.”

The type of costs which could be eligible for support under the programme include grant aid towards the costs of capital investment, start-up revenue costs, technical support, market research and feasibility studies.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .