RURAL businesses in Lancashire will benefit from more than £4m to support employment and growth.

The funding will be available for eligible rural businesses located across Lancashire and in neighbouring parts of Greater Manchester.

It will help farmers who are seeking to invest in new technologies, diversify or make onsite improvements.

Funding will also be available for new or existing small or micro enterprises looking to create job opportunities.

This programme will be managed and delivered by Lancashire County Council. The programme is expected to be launched in June 2015.

Council leader Jennifer Mein said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local rural businesses who are looking to develop and grow.

"The funding will be available to businesses, farms and organisations who want to invest and create new jobs. It's excellent news for rural areas of Lancashire."

Rural communities and businesses in Bolton, Bury, Rochdale and Wigan are a valuable economic asset to the Greater Manchester area.

Sue Derbyshire, who chairs the Greater Manchester Low Carbon Hub, said: "They are the drivers for future growth, diversification and long-term employment opportunities."

Funding will be given out through local bodies, known as Local Action Groups (LAGs). There are three covering rural Lancashire and parts of Greater Manchester:

* Lancashire West, which covers West Lancashire, Preston, Fylde and part of Wyre.
* Lancashire North and Bowland, which covers part of Wyre, Lancaster, Ribble Valley and Pendle.
* Lancashire Pennine Moors, which covers South Ribble, Chorley, Blackburn with Darwen, Rossendale, Hyndburn and Burnley. It also includes areas in Wigan, Bury, Rochdale and Bolton.

Each groups is made up of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors who have spent the last year identifying local priority areas for funding.

The programme will initially focus on farming and enterprise, and later this year will look to support forestry, tourism, culture & heritage, and community projects.

To find out if your business is eligible and keep up-to-date on funding opportunities, email karen.kerrigan@lancashire.gov.uk or call 01772 538797.