j4b Grants announces a North East of England initiative to promote rural micro-businesses and farm diversification has secured additional funding.

Following a successful pilot period that helped more than 400 businesses in less than a year, One North East’s Rural Enterprise Fund has been allocated an extra £2.5 million from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

Grants are available to help land-based businesses in the region diversify and develop alternative sources of income, and can cover start-up costs and working capital, marketing initiatives, product development, and technical support.

The programme’s remit has also been extended to include the installation of renewable energy generating technologies, such as wind turbines and biomass boilers.

Ian Brown, a rural board member at One North East, said:

“Small businesses are a huge part of the rural economy so it is important that we show our support by putting our money where our mouth is and making this funding available to those who can benefit from it.”

Adrian Sherwood, One North East’s RDPE manager, said the extra investment would provide “essential” assistance.

He explained:

“The funding is about helping rural businesses develop alternate sources of income which will in turn help our farming, food and forestry industries thrive and become more competitive, all together enhancing opportunities for rural businesses and communities in the region.”

Source: j4b Grants

For further information about the programme, contact Business Link in the North East on 0845 600 9006 or email enquiries@businesslinknortheast.co.uk