Whether you are looking to start, grow or improve a business in rural Yorkshire you could be eligible for funding from the Rural Development Programme for England.

Regional research, commissioned by Yorkshire Forward, has identified the need to increase the quality of the accommodation offer in our rural areas in a bid to continue to grow the visitor economy.

Grants of up to £25,000 and equivalent to 50% of total project costs are available for accommodation meeting a set of criteria.

Serviced accommodation is the key priority, including support for rural pubs wishing to develop new high quality bedrooms, or to upgrade existing accommodation if it will help the pub become more economically sustainable. Self-catering accommodation will need to clearly demonstrate how it will deliver economic benefit for the local area.

Funding is only available in rural parts of Yorkshire and Humber and we recommend that you use the postcode checker by visiting www.yorkshire-forward.com/helping-businesses/rural-businesses

If you have a proposal that is in an eligible area and matches the criteria, please contact Welcome to Yorkshire’s network of Business Engagement Executives:

Yorkshire Dales & Harrogate/ Yorkshire Moors & Coast

Val Wilson, 07875 877 964, val.wilson@scarborough.gov.uk