RURAL businesses have the opportunity to bid for a share of £3.4m in European funding for Nottinghamshire.

The LEADER Programme is a new allocation of EU funding to help support the development of the rural economy and create new jobs.

Aimed at micro and small businesses, the programme is being administered by Nottinghamshire County Council. Separate schemes cover the north and south of the county.

Two free masterclass events have been organised for interested businesses with advice from experts on how to develop projects and complete application forms.

The events take place at Calverton (15 March) and Retford (16 March).

LEADER funding will be available to support a wide range of projects, including rural tourism and providing services to rural communities.

Diana Meale, who chairs Nottinghamshire's economic development committee, said: "The masterclass events provide a valuable insight into the do's and don'ts of applying for LEADER grants.

"They encourage applicants to look ahead and consider from the outset how they will deliver the project, including the impacts on their cash flow and how they may match fund the grant."

On average, grants will contribute up to 40% of the costs of a project.

Councillor Meale said: "I'd urge all businesses who think they may be able to grow their company with the support of LEADER funding to contact the team to check their eligibility."

The programme will accept grant applications up to 12 noon on 14 March 2016. Further calls for applications will be announced later.

The South Nottinghamshire LEADER programme covers Rushcliffe, Gedling and a small part of Ashfield - further information is available from www.nottscc.gov.uk/leadersouth.

The North Nottinghamshire Leader programme covers Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood and parts of Mansfield, is available from www.nottscc.gov.uk/leadernorth. 

For details about the Calverton event, contact Craig Edson on 0115 977 2686 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For details about the Retford event, call Jim Burley on 0115 993 9337 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.." This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..