Small rural businesses and farms in and around Lichfield can apply for a share of £200,000 funding.
Lichfield District Council has secured the sum from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, which supports investment in micro or small businesses and funds equipment to enable greener, low carbon farming and the conversion of farm buildings for other commercial uses.
The money, administered via the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is for capital investment only and must be spent on assets such as buildings or equipment which are expected to be used for at least one year.
Expressions of interest are invited now for funding to support projects as varied as new onsite accommodation or creation of a wedding venue, pet and equine facilities including kennels or livery, infrastructure to protect against flooding, the purchasing of process and packaging machinery such as brewing equipment and modernising kitchen facilities.
Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for High Streets and Visitor Economy, Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, said: “We are delighted to have secured this substantial amount of funding to help small rural businesses and farms across the district.
“It will create and safeguard jobs and deliver growth and increased productivity and I would encourage anyone eligible to apply.”
Any rural organisation with legal status can apply. This includes parish councils, public sector organisations, voluntary organisations, charities, higher and further education institutions, and private companies.
To be eligible, small businesses must have less than 50 employees, turnover of no more than £10.2 million and a balance sheet showing less than £5.1 million.
To apply, click here.
