Rural Economy Grant (REG)/Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)
The Rural Economy Grant (REG) provides grants to enable a significant 'game-changing', transformational performance in farm, forestry, tourism, agri-food businesses and micro businesses in rural areas in England.
Five Rural Growth Network (RGN) pilots will be established during 2012/13 in Cumbria, Devon & Somerset, Durham & Northumberland, Coventry & Warwickshire and Swindon & Wiltshire. These Pilots, supported by £15 million of new government funding, will test different mechanisms by which Local Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities can support sustainable economic growth in rural areas. In addition to the £15m of new funding, pilot RGNs will have preferential access to new RDPE schemes. In recognition of the specific issues facing women entrepreneurs in rural areas, as part of the £15m, the Government is targeting up to £2.3m to support rural enterprises led by women, particularly in RGNs.
For Devon and Somerset:
• Creating a "ladder of business accommodation" - incubation units, work hubs and move on space - through investment in eight hubs and several secondary sites across two counties.
• Partnership with two universities and multiple private sector research and development agencies to nurture new businesses and support businesses with high growth potential.
• Particular focus on low carbon industries and sustainable business practices.
• Innovative elements include a pilot programme to galvanise a whole community to recognise, celebrate and promote entrepreneurship and masterclasses to foster succession planning in rural family businesses.
• Early estimates of Growth impacts: 1,359 new jobs, £58.3m increase in GVA
For further information: http://rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk/funding-sources/rural-economy-grant
http://archive.defra.gov.uk/rural/documents/economy/regr-rural-growth-networks.pdf
