Leader Programme Funding Information

Leader Rural Funding Programme

The Leader Programme is a part of the wider European funding scheme under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). 1.5 million is to be distributed over the next four years across the rural areas of  Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and East Northamptonshire. The  scheme is being managed by the North Northamptonshire Rural Action Partnership.

LEADER will consider funding projects that fall into four categories:

1. Farm and Forest Diversification - To help improve the economic viability of land based businesses through support for diversification into non-agricultural/forestry activities. (e.g. setting up a farm shop, promoting food and drink products, developing tourist accommodation or providing arts/craft business space).

2. The Creation and Development of Micro-enterprises To help new small businesses start up or existing small enterprises (less than 10 workers and a modest turnover) to grow. Projects could include making improvements to a village cafe or tea shop.

3. Encouragement of tourism - To raise the profile of the area as a tourist destination, making it attractive to residents, businesses and visitors by provding  high quality recreational and tourism enterprises (e.g. improving bed & breakfast accommodation).

4. Upgrading  of  Rural Heritage and Conservation - Examples include converting redundant historic buildings into  business or tourist facilities, improve historic buildings  to provide high quality facilities as  flagship schemes for the  area,  purchase and installation of interpretive materials to improve the  accessibility of local sites of interest,  restoration and conservation of  natural habitats.

All project ideas must be discussed with the Leader Programme Manager before an initial Expression of Interest is completed. Projects must also consider having an element of match  funding in place. To discuss initial project ideas, contact Mike Oakley (Programme Manager) on 01604 825894 or email mike.oakley@northantsacre.org.uk

All guidance can be downloaded below.

Leader Expression of Interest Form

Leader Guidance Notes

Leader Prospectus