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Sources of advice for grant applicants

As well as issues of basic eligibility, grant applications, whether businesses or community groups, will be judged on the viability of the project or activity they are proposing.

Rural businesses will need to present a sound business case for receiving grant aid, including how the new activity will impact on the current business and cash flow etc.
Business Link

Business Link is a free business advice and support service, available online and through local advisers.
It is strongly recommended that all business applicants for New Forest RDPE (Leader) funding access support from business link during the development of their business plan, cash flow projections etc.

Business Link Website
Business Link Helpline 0845 6009 006
Community First New Forest (Council for Voluntary Service)

  • Information and advice for community groups
  • Training
  • Support with running organisation; constitutional matters, employment practice, writing bids
  • Recruiting and supporting voluntary action
  • Funding advice
  • Creating and promoting forums and channels used by government and other bodies to influence decisions made about the Community
  • Promoting 'good practice' in the voluntary / community sector


    • Community First New Forest Website
    Tel. 01425 482773
    email
    Further information on RDPE and how it links to national and regional straegies can be found at:

    SEEDA Rural Development Programme Implimentation Plan

    Defra's Sustainable Food and Farming Strategy

    South East Forestry and Woodlands Framework