Published: 24 May 2022

To be able to access the grant, businesses must be looking to create a minimum of one full time job, and operate in one of the following target sectors: 

• Food and drink production  
• Manufacturing 
• Knowledge intensive businesses 
• Culture, creative and tourism (excluding retail and accommodation) 
• Energy products and services 
• Environmental products and services 

The North of Tyne Rural Business Growth Service 2020 – 2023 is a £7.9m programme of investment part funded by the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, and the North of Tyne Combined Authority.  

The rural parts of the North of Tyne area play a very important role in the local economy, accounting for a significant share of total employment and contributing significantly to the region’s visitor economy. The service wants to ensure that growing businesses are retained in rural areas, strengthening local business networks and markets.  

Grant funding alongside free advice and support is available to businesses that require direct capital investment to grow, expand productive capacity or diversify into new markets or products.  

Delivered by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council, the Rural Business Growth Service will develop the growth potential of rural businesses and supports them to access finance, to develop and grow, and to increase turnover and create jobs. 

The Rural Business Growth Service is supported by Northumberland County Council. 

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, Cabinet Member for Business, said: “Growing the economy is this council’s number one corporate priority and this is another source of funding which will provide a great boost to our rural communities. 

“We’d encourage any rural business to get in touch and see how they could benefit.” 

North of Tyne Cabinet Member for Culture, Creative, and Rural Cllr Glen Sanderson, who is Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see businesses flourish as a result of support from the North of Tyne Rural Business Growth Service Programme and North of Tyne funding. 

“Support for business is key to the North of Tyne devolution deal.  We’re committed to seeking ways to unlock potential, create conditions for businesses to flourish, nurture investment, and support long term opportunities for growth.” 

With the Rural Business Growth Service delivering real benefits across the rural areas North of Tyne area, Ivan Hewitt, Rural Business Growth Programme Manager with Northumberland County Council is keen to emphasise the opportunity for rural businesses to access the support available 

He said: “If someone has an idea for growing their business or developing a new product, then we would very much like to hear from them. 

“Grants can be offered to projects with eligible costs and anyone with an idea for a project or wanting to find out more about rural funding can contact a Rural Enterprise Specialist from Advance Northumberland by calling 01670 528400 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.” 

To find out how you can make an application to this fund, you must register with the service at https://www.ruralbusinessgrowthservice.co.uk/register-now