OxLEP is urging rural businesses to apply for their share of £3 million-worth of grants, designed to help them grow and generate jobs in rural communities.

Businesses across the county can apply for up to £170,000 in funding from each of the three existing schemes.

Rural business development grants – of a minimum of £35,000 – are available for the creation or expansion of micro and small businesses. Funds can also be used by rural businesses to support the development of new services or products, the introduction of new measures to increase productivity and to support export efforts.

Businesses can also seek capital investment to support the growth and development of tourism in rural areas.

Grants of at least £35,000 – supporting attraction development and the hosting of events and festivals – can also be applied for, focussing on both domestic and overseas visitors.

Approved projects will aim to increase the number of visitors, length of their stay, and the amount of money they spend during their time in Oxfordshire.

Finally – with food processing being a priority sector for development – grants of a minimum of £50,000 are available to support innovation in business and the development of new products.

Farmers can secure help to open new markets, including exports by processing their own produce, removing dependency on commodity markets and improving the long-term economic sustainability of farming communities.

It can also create higher quality jobs leading to the upskilling of agricultural workers.

The three grant schemes are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) which is part of the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF).

The government has guaranteed that projects signed before the UK leaves the EU will receive the allocated funding providing they are good value for money and are in line with domestic strategic priorities.

Applications for grant funding are open until 31 May 2018.

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive, OxLEP, said: “Oxfordshire is a driving force behind ‘UK PLC’ and rural businesses are an important part of our economy. In addition to agriculture, the county is home to many rural businesses operating across a range of sectors including automotive, life sciences, and space technology.

“The success of Oxfordshire’s rural economy is as important as the exciting business developments elsewhere in the county. Rural communities can protect their heritage while also developing next generation technology uses across the world.

“We hope rural businesses will apply to ensure they receive their share of the £3 million in funding that is available and can continue to be an essential part of the county’s economy.”

If you are a rural Oxfordshire business and would like further information or support with your grant application please email: EAFRD@oxfordshirelep.com or call OxLEP on: 03452 411 196.