Key Aims

• To contribute to the creation in the rural area, particularly by women, young people, unemployed people, farm families and rural dwellers of new sustainable small businesses which will employ local people in a range of business disciplines including new technology, bio-diversity, crafts and cultural activities;

• To support the expansion of existing small businesses in the rural area, particularly through the use of new know how and technology and the application of best management practices;

• To make the maximum economic use of the area’s natural and cultural resources.

The main aim of NAL+ is to maximise the economic and employment contribution that very small businesses, including farms make to the rural economy. NAL+ will be dealing with small/micro businesses who employ up to and including 10 people. The emphasis in the overall programme is on job creation and stimulating economic activity in rural areas.

The main areas where Leader+ can help new or existing businesses is by capital or employment grants, training, mentoring and networking support.