THERE is a pot of funding available to groups and projects in North Cornwall, through the LEADER funding programme, writes Suzanne Cleave.

At last week’s meeting of the Camelford Community Network Panel meeting, Jon Teague, the Atlantic and Moor Local Action Group co-ordinator, gave an overview of the programme.

The aim of the programme is to focus on economic development in Cornwall.

Applications can be made to Local Action Group (LAG) for funding for projects that create jobs, help businesses to grow and benefit the rural economy.

LEADER is a French acronym (Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale) which roughly translates as ‘Liaison among Actors in Rural Economic Development’.

The programme can offer 40 to 50% towards a project depending on its priorities. Previously this was up to £35,000, but the limit has now been removed, and it can fund up to £150,000. The minimum that can be awarded is £2,500.

The money has originated from European funding, which they gets split into four areas, one being LEADER, which has been given £138-million.

A total of £6-million is available for Cornwall, delivered through four Local Action Groups, Atlantic and Moor being one of them.

This takes in the majority of the North Cornwall District Council area and also some of Restormel.

Mr Teague explained the LEADER funding priorities, which are to support micro and small businesses and farm diversification; boost tourism; increase farm productivity; increase forestry productivity; provide rural services; and provide cultural and heritage activities.

Funding can be accessed by contacting the relevant LAG project co-ordinator for the area. Applicants will then be asked to complete and submit an outline application to confirm the eligibility.

After receiving feedback, the applicant will be asked to complete and submit a full application for approval and decision by the LAG.

The whole application process is expected to take between four and seven months.

Mr Teague gave a number of examples of Cornish businesses who have received funding.

One, Moomaid of Zennor, ice cream producers, applied for funding for the installation of additional processing equipment to double to production facility’s capity.

The full cost of the project was £51,250 and the LEADER programme awarded £20,062.

As well as benefitting the output, the project also resulted in the creation of new jobs.

Mr Teague said: “Despite Brexit, there’s still European funding available. We want to make sure we use it before it’s gone or before the opportunity has gone. Get in touch and we will see what we can do to get some funding out to you.”

The total funding has to be allocated by the Local Action Groups by March 2020.

For further information, contact Mr Teague on 01872 326751 or by email jon.teague@cornwalldevelopment company.co.uk