Grants for businesses

The types of businesses that can apply for RDPE grants, and the activities that can be funded are determined by European Commission regulation and the priorities set out in the South West Regional Implementation Plan.

The regulations are complex and it is not always easy to assess if your project idea is suitable, but help is available. For a more detailed discussion of whether your project proposal fits within RDPE criteria, contact Business Link's Rural Enterprise Gateway on 0845 600 9966.

There are five main areas for direct grants to businesses:

Farm diversification

This offers support to farms wanting to set up or develop other businesses, in order to underpin the farm’s income from agriculture and thus strengthen the rural economy. Examples of the types of activity that could be supported include:

• Farm shops, rural crafts and other retail
• Renewable energy, recycling
• Conversion of farm buildings to other economic use

For more examples of projects already funded under this RDPE theme, go to the approved projects section. An applicant must be a member of a farm household, and actively involved in agriculture at the time of the application.

Adding value

This aims to improve the processing and marketing of primary agricultural and forestry products. It includes:

• developing new products and processing facilities
• opening up new markets including local or niche markets
• improving quality standards, occupational health and safety
• enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste

For more examples of projects already funded under this RDPE theme, go to the approved projects section. Businesses do not necessarily need to be located in a rural area, provided that they draw their raw materials from identifiable agriculture or forestry producers.

Rural micro-enterprises

Micro-enterprises are businesses with up to ten full time equivalent employees, and a turnover of less than €2 million. Support could be available to set up or develop a micro-enterprise where the business either:

• Has strong links to the farming or forestry sector
• Is increasing the adoption of renewable energy or
• Is providing basic services in rural areas

Activities covered include market research, branding and design, start-up costs and capital investment. For further detail, see Guidance Note 04 - Support for Rural Micro-Enterprises. Businesses do not necessarily need to be located in a rural area, provided that the activities supported take place there.

Agricultural resource management

Farmers and growers can get expert advice on managing their resources. This could lead to funding towards the costs of putting the adviser’s recommendations into practice. For more details, go to the resource management section.

Forestry sector support

This aims to enhance the economic value of forests and woodlands. There is a range of potential grants available to woodland owners and managers, forestry contractors and primary processors. For more detail, go to the forestry sector support section.

General guidelines

Most grants will be no more than 50% of the full costs of the project
If a project requires planning permission, this must be in place before an application is made.

In general, applications for the provision of tourist accommodation will not be considered.

Grants cannot be given for activities that have already taken place. You must receive written approval for your project before starting work on it.

More details on grant conditions are available at guidance for applicants.