The programme was set up to actively promote and support rural community-led initiatives to improve rural service provision and increase economic productivity in a sustainable manner. Rural communities were targeted which exhibited deficiencies in these areas resulting in over 50 social enterprises and community led initiatives being supported. These included a wide range of key services covering recycling, retail, childcare, health and social care where there had previously been market failure.
Proposals were invited from both existing and emerging social enterprise and community led organisations to bid for up to £10,000 and 5 days of facilitation support. Funding could be sought for revenue costs including wages, the cost of rent, refurbishments, promotional materials or activities as well as capital costs including new equipment, furniture, and building works. Its impact, however, had to be in facilitating new social or economic activity
Facilitation support was provided by professional and independent consultants who had experience in providing business advice within the context of rural social enterprises. The intention was to develop the capacity and knowledge of beneficiary organisations and signpost them to further sources of advice and support.
