Up to £50,000 maximum, although most projects will be encouraged to apply for between £10,000 and £30,000.
If the business operates within the LEADER area and benefits the rural economy within the LEADER area, then this would be sufficient to be eligible for funding.
This depends on your project. Some projects, particularly the community, tourism and heritage projects are not required to provide their own funding contribution. However, most other projects are required to provide between 50% and 60% of their own money in order to be eligible.
No. You must carry out your project works and purchase any equipment first, providing invoices/receipts to prove expenditure (which must be agreed as part of the application). You then put in a claim for the money which is then paid to you on completion of the works.
As part of your application you can request a number of claim dates and carry out the project in stages. However we would expect to receive only a very few number of claim dates.
The maximum length a project can be funded for is 3 years.
Decision-making panels take place every 3 months, so the application process is on-going. The funding is split over 5 years, so in order to take advantage of a particular year's funding, applications should be received by the end of October of that year.
Yes. You need to provide 3 quotes for your purchases and/or works.
Yes, providing the feasibility study is for a project that would qualify for LEADER funding. Successful feasibility studies do not guarantee further LEADER funding. Applications for project funding would be judged by the Decision-making Panel on a competitive basis alongside other projects.
Whilst LEADER is predominantly a capital funding scheme, if a project requires revenue funding to enable it to get off the ground, (for example staff to set up the project initially before it becomes self-sustaining), then this would be eligible under LEADER.
No. LEADER is about funding projects that are pilot and innovative in nature. Projects should provide additionality to what already exists. We can add to existing projects, but the LEADER funding should be adding something new to that project or expand it.
LEADER aims to assist projects and businesses financially, getting them off the ground in order that they will then become self-sustaining and in turn, boost the rural economy. Therefore any project that shows good business potential or that will benefit the rural economy or community will be considered very favourably.
LEADER will not fund projects that are not self-sustaining in the longer term. Project applications will be assessed on their ability to be able to continue once funding runs out. LEADER will not fund projects that cannot demonstrate a good exit strategy as the aim of LEADER is to enable projects to get off the ground initially and then be able to run independently without the need for further funding.
Yes, if it is a completely new project, or it adds value to an existing project (but see the answer below regarding the total grant funding that you can receive in any period of three years). For example you may have received money under LEADER to set up a small business. This may then be running and operating in a self-sustaining manner bringing in a reasonable profit. However you may then wish to expand the business or improve it to make it more efficient. You would be eligible to apply for funding for this. A farmer would also be eligible to apply for funding to add value or expand an existing farm diversification, or they may wish to apply for funding for a new farm diversification - you would also be eligible for this under LEADER if the project meets the objectives of the Loddon & Eversley LEADER programme.
See the answer above if it has been a LEADER grant. European Commission rules prohibit any undertaking from receiving more than €500,000 (‘de minimis’) state aid over any period of three fiscal years. You must declare if you have received any state aid in the last 3 years. Potentially any assistance you may have received from a public body might be a ‘de minimis’ aid. This could be from central, regional, devolved governments or agencies or a local council. You should have received a letter informing you if you were given assistance under the ‘de minimis’ regulation. If you are unsure whether any public assistance you have received is ‘de minimis’ aid, please contact the body which granted the assistance to clarify this and provide information about all forms of public assistance under €500,000 you have received in the last three years.
No. When applying for funding, all costs must be supplied ex.VAT. You will need to make your own arrangements to reclaim the VAT.
No, LEADER grants are not means tested. However LEADER is primarily about funding for those that would not be able to start a project without the benefit of funding. Therefore since LEADER is competitive, it is far more likely that projects that necessitate funding will receive it.
No, you can apply for LEADER funding to set up a new business, but it must be a business that will employ fewer than 10 full-time staff (classed as a micro-enterprise).
See the factsheets on the information page for more information depending on the area that interests you. Also, here is a list of grants awarded so far in the South East of England.
There has been a wide variety of ideas - see the factsheet for more details to help you decide.
Yes there is money available for farmers and foresters for job related training. However this must be applied for directly from the Rural Development Programme for England via the Landskills South East - see the factsheets on the information page for more information. For non-farming/forestry and communities, there is funding available from LEADER for training to develop business skills. Please see factsheet 2 for details.
Yes if it is adding something new to your business/enterprise. We cannot fund replacement equipment.
Once you have purchased your equipment or completed your project and submitted a claim with receipts, you will be paid within approximately 15 working days.
For most grant-related enquiries contact Emily Preston. Her role is to give you initial guidance about whether your project could be eligible and she can then help you further with preparing your plans. Where there is demand we may arrange workshops for some of the project planning. The Local Action Group itself is concerned with the overall strategy, approving projects and adding some expert assistance for specific questions if necessary.
Yes please, we are always looking for new members from the Loddon & Eversley Heritage area. Please contact the LEADER Programme Manager for further details.
The grant is not directly taxable. However, because it effectively reduces your costs, you will have less expenditure to offset against your other income. Ask your accountant to explain this in more detail.
The LEADER project team are here to help you find out if you are eligible, and then develop your project and application so that it stands the best chance of success. Click on the contact us button above to see our details, or click here to send an email.