Rural grants on offer

RURAL businesses are invited to submit bids to the LEADER grant scheme which aims to boost East Leicestershire’s rural economy and create jobs.

LEADER, part of the European Union’s Rural Development Programme, was launched locally in 2015 to support rural business and tourism across Melton and Harborough, as well as parts of Charnwood and Blaby. Grants of up to £35,000 are available and in some cases £75,000 could be awarded.

Since opening for applications in 2015 it has supported 13 projects from across East Leicestershire, distributing £300,000 of funding. £1m of funding is still available for projects up until March 2019.

Priorities for the latest round of bidding are tourism businesses, small food and drink businesses, small and micro businesses, forestry businesses and community projects increasing access to rural services.

More information and expression of interest forms can be found by visiting www.oakleaves.org.uk/east- leicestershireleader