Funding Priorities

The Solway, Border and Eden Local Development Strategy forms the basis for delivery of LEADER funding in this LAG area.  Each LAG area has different characteristics, therefore each priority may differ slightly depending upon the geographical area you are in.  

The Solway, Border and Eden LEADER Applicant Handbook gives in-depth detail about the LEADER priorities and the types of projects that can be funded.  Please ensure you read through the handbook appropriate to the LAG area within which you are based.  It can be downloaded by clicking here:

Also be aware that it is a competitive process and is subject to funding availability. 
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Funding is available for projects that fit with the following Priorities:
SBE Local Development Strategy
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LEADER SBE Applicant Handbook
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Priority 1 - Support to Increase Farm Productivity - Closed for Expressions of Interest

Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for:
(1a)  Projects to improve the overall performance and sustainability of an agricultural holding.
Eligible applicants under (1a) are farmers, groups of farmers and horticultural producers.  Grants are available from £2,500 to £10,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.*

(1b) Investments to support animal health and welfare improvements.
Eligible applicants under (1b) are farmers and groups of farmers.Grants are available from £2,500 to £10,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.*

(1c) The processing, marketing and/or development of agricultural products.
Eligible applicants under (1c) are farmers, landowners, micro and small processing businesses and new processing businesses. Grants are available from £2,500 to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.*
Priority 2 - Support for Small & Micro Enterprises - Closed for Expressions of Interest
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for developing or starting rural micro and small businesses.
Applications are sought from projects which support:
  • The growth of micro and small rural enterprises (non-agricultural);
  • New business start-ups with capital purchases;
  • Improvements in productivity and efficiency of micro and small enterprises;
  • Community and social enterprise start up and expansion particularly to provide rural services.
Grants are available from £2,500 up to 200,000 Euros.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 2 - Support for Farm Diversification - Closed for Expressions of Interest
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for farm diversification projects (for example, farm shops, contracting services).
Applications are sought from projects which:
  • Support new diversification activity which does not displace other businesses and business activity in the area;
  • Expand existing farm diversification projects which have significant outputs;
  • Contribute to significant cost savings and income generation to the farm business through the introduction of renewable technology;
  • Create links between the farm and the wider local economy;
  • Retain young people/new entrants in farming by increasing farm income levels to improve its sustainability.
Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 3 - Support for Tourism Activity - Closed for Expressions of Interest
Funds under this priority will be used to support tourism businesses, accommodation providers, attraction providers, those working as groups for promotional purposes and those in hospitality to invest in projects which build on the distinctiveness of the Solway, Border and Eden LAG area.
Applications are sought which:
  • Support the development of a quality tourism offer in areas outside the ‘pull’ of the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall based on those area’s unique sense of place which does not displace other activity in the area;
  • Support for innovative technology that enhances collaboration and communication between businesses and between businesses and customers to attract a higher value added customer base;
  • Where appropriate provide enhanced, restored, upgraded quality accommodation and attractions particularly to increase the number and/or length of stay of visitors.
​Grants are available from £2,500 up to  €200,000.  See Applicant Handbook for grant rates.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 4 - Provision of Rural Services - Closed for Expressions of Interest
Funds under this priority will be used to develop innovative approaches to rural service provision / to increase accessibility to rural services / to promote community cohesion.  

Applications are sought from rural businesses, community organisations, charities and partnerships, which:
  • Invest in the improvement and/or expansion of community assets particularly those that can act as sustainable ‘hubs’ for local activity and service delivery (e.g. pubs, shops etc);
  • Invest in small scale innovative and collaborative community based projects and technologies that seek to improve accessibility to rural services and reduce social isolation;
  • Support community greening and energy initiatives (not otherwise supported through FITs/RHI).
Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  See Applicant Handbook for grant rates.

Revenue support available is very limited and cannot be used to fund on-going salaries. Contact the LEADER Programme Team for more information.
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​Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 5 - Support for Cultural and Heritage Activity - Closed for Expressions of Interest
The Solway, Border and Eden LAG is open for applications under this priority. There is a very limited amount of funding available and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis by the LAG.  The LAG is seeking strong projects with a clear fit to the objectives of this priority (see LEADER Applicant Handbook and Local Development Strategy for more information on this).
Priority 6 - Support for Increasing Forestry Productivity - Closed for Expressions of Interest
​Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants to improve the economic performance, resilience and competitiveness of the forestry sector.
Applications are sought from owners or tenants of private forestry holdings and micro, small and medium-sized forestry contracting businesses, which:
  • Invest in machinery and equipment to help the production, extraction, mobilising, processing and marketing of timber and non-timber products (such as wild venison)
  • Invest in new forestry technologies and products
  • Enhance the forestry potential or add value to forest products by processing, mobilising or marketing
  • Develop wood fuel supply chains.
​​Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.

​Equipment for Farming and Forestry that we can and cannot fund is here.
ALL APPLICATIONS should demonstrate how the project will create wider benefits for the local community and economy.  Projects can do this through, for example:
  • The introductions of 'green' technology creating a significant saving in business running costs and/or which moves the business towards a recognised environmental accreditation.
  • Creation of high skilled and/or high value jobs.
  • Creation of employment for young people and disadvantaged groups.
  • Use and promotion of local suppliers including food and drink.