West Oxfordshire District Council has sent us information about how businesses and projects based in rural communities across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to apply for European funding.
The Oxfordshire LEADER scheme consists of a £1.55 million fund, which will be available until 2020, for businesses and projects with the potential to create jobs and benefit the local economy.
To qualify, applicants need to fit into one of the following categories:
- Growing, selling and eating more local food – enabling increased farm productivity, diversification of agriculture as well as boosting production and marketing functions.
- Vibrant villages – creating more economic activity and opportunity in our villages.
- Reviving our rivers and canals – encouraging more people to enjoy rather than pass by them.
- Unlocking the potential of woodland – managing woodland and developing the local distribution networks for wood fuel, timber and wood products.
Diana Shelton, Shared Head of Leisure and Community Services at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and help the rural economy prosper. I am confident that successful applicants will be able to use their funding to generate growth and create jobs to the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”
Anyone interested should attend a meeting at the Village Hall in Tackley on Thursday 12 May. Successful applicants from the last LEADER programme will be available to describe what the funding has meant to them. There will also be the opportunity to meet members of the local action group who decide which projects to fund.
Anyone interested should see the website or email Oxfordshire.Leader@southandvale.gov.uk