Innovative Rural Enterprises, Craft Enterprises and Local Services Facilities Funds

Donegal Local Development Company Ltd considered a range of innovative rural enterprise, craft enterprise and local services/facilities initiatives under the LEADER+ programme for fundingduring the 2002-2006 period. The specific emphasis of this action was on new know-how and new technology, capital assistance and value added pilot projects.

Project promoters applying for such aid, were able to show that there was a market for their proposed product or service and that the project would be capable of attaining economic viability. Promoters were also to demonstrate how the project had the capacity to create new direct employment either full or part-time or seasonal, or would as a minimum contribute directly to the maintenance of employment in existing small enterprises. Adequate overall matching finances to fund the projects was also required, and promoter’s needed to possess sufficient management and technical capacity to actually implement the proposed project.

Applications for grant aid under this action did not give rise to job displacement, or deadweight (where the project could go ahead without aid). In the case of services, the emphasis was on assisting those projects which support local small firms and enterprises. LEADER funding could not be used to support conventional retail or other distributive services unless they were demonstrably innovative in the locality concerned.

Grants Available

50% of actual costs up to a maximum of €65,000 (In exceptional circumstances aid up to €100,000 may be granted.)

Examples of Eligible Projects

• support, guidance and the provision of an advisory service
• provision of a range of assistance types for start-up enterprises
• expansion of existing enterprises including the adoption of new technologies
• development of innovative products and local services
• provision of a range of assistance types for adding value to local products including support for business networks, collective marketing, local branding initiatives, improved quality and development of processing facilities.