This July, the Cwm a Mynydd Local Action Group have announced over £100,000 of new funding to enable and assist communities, enterprises and individuals to deliver projects and initiatives to support the rural economy of Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent. The group are looking to fund a number of projects or initiatives in eligible areas. Successful projects will receive a grant up to 80% of their total project costs.
The fifth round of the LEADER Implementation Fund is looking to support projects that will help local communities recover from Covid-19 but is also seeking applications for broader initiatives to create greener, fairer and more prosperous rural communities.
Since 2014, the Cwm a Mynydd Local Action Group has approved over £800,000 of funding to eligible projects. Funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union the Cwm a Mynydd LEADER Implementation Fund, has supported projects that have helped to uncover local heritage and history and developed training and skills programmes for communities and businesses.
It has also explored and trialled the use of digital technology in farming to make agriculture more resilient in the face of changing markets and climate.
The group have provided space to create innovative approaches to local supply chains for food, drink and craft, raising awareness of issues affecting young people and have encouraged the use of the Welsh language in business.
The application form and guidance can be found here: https://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmamynydd/our-projects/leader-support-plus-pack.
The Cwm a Mynydd Local Action Group develops projects in partnership with our stakeholders and all potential applicants must get in touch with the Rural Development Plan project team to discuss your ideas prior to applying. Call 01443 838632 or email rdp@caerphilly.gov.uk for further information.
Potential projects and applications need to be submitted by email to rdp@caerphilly.gov.uk by the end of 3rd August. Approved projects will be updated on the progress of their application as it is considered. All successful projects will need to be completed by 30th September 2021.
Cwm a Mynydd is the name for the Rural Development Programme for Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.