How to apply
Just complete our Inital proposal form (Word 126kb).
You can also contact the Rural Business Support Team on 01772 536600 or via email.
Rural Lancashire Development Fund
A scheme to support high growth business activity in rural areas of the County. Finance is available for capital and revenue activity through an unsecured loan of up to £10,000 available at competitive rates of interest.
Through the achievement of agreed targets outlined below, the terms of the loan agreement enable a 50% reduction in the total amount repayable by the business.
Who can apply?
Individuals seeking to start a new high growth business or existing organisations with high growth potential located in and / or benefiting the rural administrative areas of Lancashire County Council.
To qualify for support applicants must be registered, or in the process of registering, as a limited company and seeking to achieve one or more of the scheme's targets:
- Job creation and safeguarding of existing jobs
- Creation of new high growth rural businesses
- Assisting established businesses with high growth potential to expand
- A better skilled workforce through vocational training activity
- New and renovated buildings for employment purposes
- Increased business productivity and profitability
The map below shows which areas of the County are eligible to access funding (highlighted in green)
You can check your geographical eligibility. Select the 'Rural (LAG) Areas' map from the Thematic Designations option. We can also provide finance to businesses in urban areas whose activities directly support the rural economy of Lancashire.
How do I apply?
Just complete our initial proposal form, or contact the Rural Business Support Team on 01772 536600 or via email at lcdl.rural@lancashire.gov.uk.
- Inital proposal form (Word 126kb)
- Application guidance notes (Word 65kb)
If this is approved, the next step will be to complete a business plan. Assistance can be provided through our specialist advisors who will help you to develop your business idea.
When should I apply?
Applications to the scheme are invited between 1 December 2009 and 30 November 2011, subject to the availability of funds.
An Initial Proposal may be submitted at any time, with the following deadlines for appraisal by the Rural Business Support Team:-
| Initial Proposal to be received by | For Full Application to be completed by |
|---|---|
| 12 November 2010 | 31 December 2010 |
| 17 December 2010 | 28 January 2011 |
| 14 January 2011 | 25 February 2011 |
| 11 February 2011 | 25 March 2011 |
| 11 March 2011 | 29 April 2011 |
| 15 April 2011 | 27 May 2011 |
| 13 May 2011 | 24 June 2011 |
| 17June 2011 | 29 July 2011 |
| 15 July 2011 | 26 August 2011 |
| 12 August 2011 | 30 September 2011 |
| 16 September 2011 | 22 October 2011 |
| 14 October 2011 | 26 November 2011 |
Business showcase
Fresh as a Daisy (NW) Ltd
A newly established cleaning business based in West Lancashire. Operating initially from their own home, the husband and wife team aims to employ 5 members of staff after their first year of trading, providing a service to the domestic and commercial sectors.
RLDF provided the start-up with a £10,000 loan to support the purchase of capital equipment, marketing and assist with staffing costs in the early stages.
Visit the website at: www.faad.co.uk
Ocean Bathrooms Tiles & Heating Ltd
A new business operating in the home improvements sector and located in Foulridge, near Colne. The showroom at Croft Mill displays a variety of bathroom suites, including easy access for customers with physical disabilities. It is intended that these facilities will be used as an assessment centre for Occupational Therapists.
RLDF again provided start-up support of £10,000 to help with the installation of central heating within the retail area, capital equipment and marketing and staffing costs.
Visit the website at: www.oceanbaths.co.uk