Large amounts of funding are available to assist businesses and individuals wanting to develop their skills and business, although accessing these funds can sometimes be difficult.

West Devon Business Information Point has a proven record of assisting its clients submitting successful applications to a wide range of funders. In some instances this expertise is available either partially funded or fully funded. Feasibility studies, business plans and applications to the following schemes or funders can be undertaken:

• Rural Enterprise Scheme
• Processing & Marketing Scheme
• Vocational Training Scheme
• Learning & Skills Council
• Government Office South West
• South West England Regional Development Agency
• Essme Fairbairn Foundation

The access point is through the South West of England Rural Development Gateway telephone 0845 600 99 66. Further support is available through county based local facilitators who will assist with the development of project ideas.

There are a number of activities that the programme can support. These include;

• Modernisation of agricultural holdings.
• Diversification into non-agricultural activities.
• Cooperation is supported to develop new products or processes or new technologies.
• Support for the creation and development of micro-enterprises.

Eligible costs for many of these projects would include salaries, ICT equipment, feasibility studies, marketing support, product development, branding and associated costs. Grant rates are likely to be in the range of 40-50%.

There will also be a number of larger regional projects covering the following areas;

• Business support which will include SWREG and its associated groups.
• Business grant and product development support.
• Resource management programme covering soil water energy and waste.
• Sustainable rural tourism programme supply/chain added value.
• A social/community enterprise programme.

Support for training will also be available in a wide range of subjects.

If you have any potential activities please ring SWREG to express your interest in the programme on 0845 6009966.

If you require assistance in submitting an expression of interest to SWREG West Devon Business Information Point are able to assist, together with help with full applications for this program, please call us on 0800 592872 for further details.