Time is running out for rural businesses in Winchester, Eastleigh and East Hampshire area to bid for a share of a £1.6m fund.
Farmers, foresters, growers, rural businesses and communities have until the end of August 2018 to secure a share of the Leader fund from the Fieldfare Local Action Group (LAG).
The scheme supports projects that will create jobs and support the rural economy. Rural businesses can get up to £100,000 and 40% grant funding for projects which might be as simple as purchasing a new piece of equipment.
One business which has recently benefited from Leader funding is independent café and shop Sweet Corner in Bishop’s Waltham which used the fund to purchase new equipment.
Sophie Pritchard, owner of Sweet Corner, said: “This funding meant we could make a big splash when we re-opened Sweet Corner in new premises, because we installed lots of new equipment ready for the launch. The coffee machine in particular has been a fantastic investment – without the grant we couldn’t have afforded to buy it.”
Further details about Fieldfare Leader can be found at www.Fieldfareleader.org.uk
