If you have a project idea that you think fits with the outcomes of the Local Development Strategy, you should follow the steps below to application.
1. Submit an Expression of Interest on the Scottish Rural Network website. This is a short form and so should not take too long to complete.
2. A member of the Tyne Esk LEADER staff team will contact you to set up a visit to discuss the project further and take you through the application forms and process.
3. Complete the application form and submit it before the deadline.
We are very happy to answer any queries about the process or about Tyne Esk LEADER at any time.
Application deadlines with an indication of LAG decision meeting dates are given below. The time between the application deadline and LAG decision meeting gives us time to work with you to develop your application and the Scottish Government time to run a pre-approval check which they do on 5% of applications.
Deadline - 5th June 2017 LAG Meeting - 10th August 2017
Deadline - 4th September 2017 LAG Meeting - 2nd November 2017
Deadline - 4th December 2017 LAG Meeting - 8th February 2018
Tyne Esk LEADER are able to fund a wide variety of project types including revenue and capital projects as long as the project helps to deliver the objectives in our Local Development Strategy (available here). We have ring-fenced funds for farm diversification and rural enterprise projects as well as cooperation projects where applicants are working with another Local Action Group in Scotland or elsewhere in Europe.
The themes of the Tyne Esk Local Development Strategy are community cooperation and cohesion, economic development and enhanced environment. Some project types that we might be able to fund are community facility development projects, business development, particularly in the priority sectors of tourism, food and drink and scientific research, projects to improve the built environment, improving access to green spaces, developing tourist attractions, projects to market businesses or sectors or organising and holding events.
Tyne Esk LEADER will only fund up to a maximum intervention rate of 60% though so applicants will need match funding or LEADER may not be the most appropriate funder for your project. The Scottish Rural Network maintains an up-to-date database of over 1000 funders that is free to access here, which you can use to either source match funding or core funding for your project. Please feel free to contact us and we may be able to advise on funders for your project as well.