If you run an essential
village service such as an independent village shop, pub or
garage and you are looking to improve or increase the service
you offer to local residents you may be eligible for funding
from the Suffolk Rural Economy Scheme.
The Suffolk Rural Economy Scheme has replaced the Suffolk Rural
Services Scheme, and will run until October 2009. The scheme is
administered by Suffolk County Council, on behalf of the partners,
which includes the rural district and borough councils of
Suffolk.
Small one-off revenue and capital grants will be awarded to
shops and post offices in rural areas, which can demonstrate
sustainable economic community benefits.
The aim is to assist:
- Private rural shops and post offices, which are based in the
community they serve, are viable, an asset to the community and the
only business of that type in the settlement.
- Social enterprises, charities, voluntary and community groups
which run, or are creating, an economically viable community shop
for the benefit of their rural community.
Grant applications from communities threatened with post office
closure will be welcomed, but grants will not be made to support
campaigns to prevent a post office closure. Shops with a turnover
of £7,500 per week or less may apply for grants to improve premises
or to expand their business.
For more information, and to receive an application form, please
contact Cheryl Paget, Economic Development Project Officer at
Suffolk County Council on 01473 260793 or email
cheryl.paget@suffolkcc.gov.uk
.
Rural businessess should check if they are entitled to help
from Suffolk
Coastal's rural business rate relief scheme. Small
businessess should also check if they are entitled to help under
the small business rate relief scheme.
The Rural Economy Scheme is funded by Suffolk County Council,
Babergh District Council, Forest Heath District Council, Mid
Suffolk District Council, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk
Coastal District Council, Waveney District Council, and Suffolk
County Council’s Corporate Regeneration Fund.
Suffolk ACRE, Post Office Ltd, Rural Shops Alliance, ViRSA, and
Foundation East are also part of the Rural Economy Scheme
Partnership.