£3.5m funding programmes open for South Devon projects

Two programmes offering funds for rural and small business projects is now open.

The South Devon Coastal Local Action Group (SDC LAG) and the Greater Dartmoor Local Economic Action Fund (GD LEAF) have been awarded a total of £3.5 million to allocate to business projects which encourage and promote business growth, productivity and create jobs.

Both were originally set up in 2008 to invest in economic, environmental and community based projects to encourage innovation and promote the prosperity of the South Devon area.

The area covered by the programmes covers greater Dartmoor, and the coastline from Plymouth to Exeter including Teignbridge and the South Hams.

Greater Dartmoor LEAF covers Dartmoor and the surrounding area, and South Devon Coastal LAG covers the coastal area from Plymouth round to Dawlish (excluding Newton Abbot and Torbay) and including the Western side of the Exe estuary.

The programmes are funded under the Rural Development Programme for England and are sponsored by South Hams and Teignbridge District Councils.

Applications are now open for projects which aim to help small businesses and businesses in rural services, including farming, forestry, tourism and heritage.

South Devon Coastal LAG chairman John Yeoman said: "If you run a small business or you are thinking of setting up or expanding a rural business, the South Devon Coastal LAG provides a great opportunity to grow and increase productivity. It can help you to employ more people and develop a local identity in the community.

"Please take this opportunity and contact the LAG or LEAF if you think we could help your business."

Cllr Doug Hellier-Laing, Teignbridge District Council's Executive member for Economy Skills and Tourism said: "Teignbridge, together with colleagues in South Hams, have invested significant resources to ensure we can access larger external funds and deliver these two superb opportunities for our local businesses.

"The funds supports economic growth in the area and we would urge anyone who is looking to develop a local business and create additional employment to apply for funding."

Anyone wishing to apply should visit the website at http://drcompany.co.uk/local-action-groups to see whether their project meets the criteria and submit a simple project ideas form or for general guidance contact Teignbridge District Council's Economic Development Officer Allie Clark on 01626 215478 for GD LEAF or Coastal Officer Graeme Smith 01626 215748 for SDC LAG.