Central government has provided local authorities with a sum of money through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
East Hampshire District Council designated this money to help rural communities through the Grow Up! programme. As part of that programme EHDC has set up the rural business network.
Rural business network
The rural business network aims to provide opportunities for rural organisations and businesses to:
- receive support and advice with running their businesses, and be signposted to the latest legislation, financial advice and training;
- discuss the issues which are affecting local rural businesses and provide opportunities for likeminded land-based professionals to meet up;
- learn about diversifying their businesses or exploring opportunities for growing new crops to be more resilient to climate change, and explore local outlets for their produce;
- support the next generation of land-based workers by offering apprenticeships and traineeships;
- support new land-based businesses;
- help to develop local solutions to issues such as rural crime;
- explore opportunities to improve digital connectivity for rural businesses;
Free Business Workshops
We're providing a range of free business skills courses as part of our rural business network, funded by UK Government
Book a spot on our latest workshops
Events
The rural business network held its inaugural event in Selborne in January 2023, and has since:
- met at Liss Pavilion, Goldfinch Books Alton, Petersfield Museum and Merchistoun Hall, Horndean, to discuss sustainability in rural communities,
- hosted a farm walk in East Meon and a farm walk in Wield
- discussed recruitment in rural employment at an event in Privett and a funding opportunities event in Chawton
- hosted the new directions event in Alton in October
- sustainable business event in Passfield in September 2024