Business development

From investing in new equipment or facilities, to working with university research specialists on a new product idea, EU funding can help you grow your business. EU funding can also support skills training for your staff, or enable you to get free or low cost business advice.

Project examples

Grange Farm in Hindringham received almost £160,000 from LEADER to support the diversification of the farm into brewing. The Norfolk Brewhouse now has a successful and growing range of beers.

Download the Norfolk Brewhouse case study (PDF) [59KB]

Hethel Innovation received a £7.3m ERDF grant to develop Hethel Innovation Centre as a hub for innovative businesses, and to set up a business support scheme to provide expert advice to businesses and start-ups keen to innovate in their fields. The project was completed in 2015, and supported 261 businesses with advice, including 31 start-ups. 40 new processes and products resulted from advice delivered by the project.

Hethel Innovation Centre has been supported by ERDF to become a hub for innovative business activity in the region

Funds to consider:

LEADER provides direct grants to rural businesses for developments which generate jobs and growth
ERDF funds projects which provide grants direct to businesses to work with universities, to apply for grants and business support
EAFRD funds business development, tourism and farming projects in rural areas