Member Event: West Norfolk Grant Funding Drop-in Session

Businesses and community groups in west Norfolk are invited to find out about funding available through two initiatives managed by Norfolk County Council at a drop-in event in Downham Market on 20 June. People will have a chance to talk to advisers about their project ideas and find out whether they qualify for funding from the LEADER and LIFT programmes. LEADER is targeting businesses of any type as long as they have less than 50 staff, while LIFT (Local Investment in Future Talent) is looking for applications from community and networking organisations. There is around £1 million still available for west Norfolk businesses through these programmes, which are important sources of funding to help deliver new jobs and grow the rural economy. This funding is from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) delivered via Defra. In the UK this fund is managed by the Rural Payments Agency and distributed via the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). The Local Action Groups (LAGs) deliver the funding using an approach which decentralises the decision and funding powers allowing the partnership to support the rural economy at a local level. The LAGs comprise representatives from businesses, community organisations and public authorities, and aim to help micro and small businesses and community organisations create and sustain employment within their respective areas. Businesses and community groups based in west Norfolk and wishing to find out more about the funding available should go along to the event, which is from 4-7.30pm in the Clock Room at the Town Hall in Downham Market (6 Market Place, Bridge Street, PE38 9DE) and there is no need to book.