THE county cuncil is urging Hampshire’s rural businesses to apply for European funding available to stimulate job creation and business growth.

Rob Humby, Hampshire County Council’s lead member for rural affairs, explained: “Around 83 per cent of Hampshire is classified as rural, so the success of rural businesses is vital to the county’s economic prosperity. This is a great opportunity for businesses in the rural areas of central, west and north Hampshire, which are within the Enterprise M3 LEP area, to get a share of funding to help them grow their business.

“Funding could be available for a range of rural businesses, from a farm wanting to diversify to a new visitor attraction, or perhaps for a larger premises for food processing. I would urge all rural businesses in the area to take a look at this opportunity and explore how funding can support their investment plans and help them become more successful.”

Grants of between £50,000 and £140,000 are available for businesses from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The funding is administered by Defra and there are three schemes businesses can apply for – rural tourism, food processing and micro or small business investment – to invest in new products, processes, technologies, equipment or premises.

To be eligible, businesses will need to be in the geographical area covered by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (the New Forest, mid to north Hampshire and south-west Surrey). The deadline for applications is Friday, January 8, 2016.

For more details, e-mail [email protected].