HAMPSHIRE County Council is urging rural businesses to apply for European funding to stimulate job creation and business growth.

Grants of between £50,000 and £140,000 are available for businesses from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The funding, which is administered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is for three schemes – rural tourism, food processing and micro or small business investment – to enable them to invest in new products, processes, technologies, equipment or premises.

Businesses in the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership are eligible to apply for the funding.

Councillor Rob Humby, Hampshire County Council’s Lead Member for Rural Affairs, said: “Around 83 per cent of Hampshire is classified as rural, so the success of rural businesses is vital to the county’s economic prosperity.

“This is a great opportunity for businesses in the rural areas of central, West and North Hampshire, which are within the Enterprise M3 LEP area, to get a share of funding to help them grow their business.

“Funding could be available for a range of rural businesses from a farm wanting to diversify, to a new visitor attraction, or perhaps for a larger premises for food processing.

“I would urge all rural businesses in the area to take a look at this opportunity and explore how funding can support their investment plans and help them become more successful.”

The deadline for applications is January 8. For more information, email jennie.pell@hants.gov.uk.