Business Finance

LEADER Rural Development Fund

The LEADER scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is partly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).  

The aim of LEADER is to create jobs and help businesses grow, which will then benefit the rural economy. LEADER is a French acronym, which roughly translates as 'Liaison among Actors in Rural Economic Development'.

LEADER funds must support one or more of the following themes:

  • Increasing Farm Productivity
  • Micro/Small Enterprises & Farm Diversification
  • Rural Tourism
  • Rural Services
  • Culture & Heritage
  • Increasing Forestry Productivity

For more information please download the LEADER fact sheet (PDF).

Your Lancashire LEADER Team benefit from a wealth of experience in a range of sectors and are here to help you with your application process, and if you wish to discuss any aspect of the Lancashire LEADER programme, e-mail ruralfunding@lancashire.gov.uk or call Karen Lawrenson on 01772 538797 or Louise Kite on 01772 534134. 

More details on the fund can be found on Lancashire County Council's website.