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DRIVE programme

DRIVE is a new grant programme being offered by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council.

DRIVE will offer businesses contributing to the rural economy in Norfolk and Suffolk 12 hours of business mentoring to create project and business plans, after which the applicant will be able to apply for a capital grant of between £5k and £40k, towards up to 40% of project costs. All applicants will need to put forward job creation as a result of their grant application. Existing and new businesses can apply. New businesses will need to be aiming at high growth, defined as forecasting to employ 3 new members of staff in the first 3 years of trading.

Decisions on grant awards will be made by Local Investment Boards that will consist of local volunteers with business experience or knowledge.

With all funding programmes there is specific eligibility criteria. If you are interested in applying, please contact the team and we will assess whether your project is eligible for DRIVE on a case-by-case basis before you are assigned a business mentor. Areas of exclusion are listed below:

  • Fishery, aquaculture and forestry sectors
  • Horticulture or primary production, processing and marketing of agricultural products
  • Steel production
  • Shipbuilding
  • Synthetic fibres
  • Transport
  • Banking, insurance or financial services
  • Healthcare
  • School age education
  • Care
  • Retail (except manufacturing activity), post offices
  • Food and beverage service activities

If you are interested in joining one of our Local Investment Boards, please get in touch. The role is interesting, rewarding and a great way to network.

For further information visit DRIVE.