1. Module No 4: EU programme awareness/grants for rural micro-enterprise
MICRO: Enhancing Competitiveness of Micro-enterprises in Rural Areas
Module No 4: EU programme awareness/grants for rural micro-enterprise
Prepared by the Consortium for the project: “Irish Rural Link – National University of Ireland Maynooth- CDI – EEO GROUP SA- IHF asbl – IDP - Internet Web Solutions SL”

2. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Overview
How many slides?
20 slides in total
How long to read and listen?
15 minutes (not including exploring the links provided within slides)
What is the benefit?
See aim and expected learning in following slides

3. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Unit Aim
To walk you through a LEADER Application Checklist and give an explanation of terms used

4. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Know the “Application Checklist for LEADER funds”
Know “What the key terms in a LEADER Application”
Know the “The main requirements of a LEADER Application”
You can you check your knowledge?

5. Application Checklist
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Application Checklist
Main documents required:

6. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Other documents
These documents to be included if applicable:

7. Data Protection Declaration
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Data Protection Declaration
How your personal information is to be used and shared
How to get a copy of any info held by LAG
You must sign this form to give consent to the LAG and show your understanding of contents.

8. “De Minimis Aid” Declaration
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
“De Minimis Aid” Declaration
LEADER funding has a limit of €200,000 - within the “de minimis” threshold for State aid
A project only considered for grant aid if funding will not raise above the €200,000 ceiling of total aid during the three year period.

9. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Business Plan
Break it down into four sections:
Project & Promoter
Marketing
Innovation & Competition
Financial

10. Business Plan – Project & Promoter
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Business Plan – Project & Promoter
Introduce the project and where it is based.
The Promoter: who is the promoter and the relevant skills and expertise of individual or organization.
Project Background: Describe the project in detail – what it is and what it needs to get up and running

11. Business Plan - Marketing
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Business Plan - Marketing
Market Research: Shows the project is viable and the promoter knows the market.
Marketing Strategy: The strategy to achieve market share to make the project viable.

12. Business Plan – Innovation & Competition
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Business Plan – Innovation & Competition
Innovation: Important element in LEADER
Describes how the project displays innovation
Competition: Prove there is a market niche for the project.
No adverse affect on established enterprise in your community.

13. Business Plan - Financial
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Business Plan - Financial
Project Costs and Funding: Detailed costs/sources of matching funding
3 year Financial Projections:
Project Impact: The promoter, the wider community or wider environment.

14. Business Plan - Conclusion
Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Business Plan - Conclusion
Draws together all elements into a convincing conclusion
Links to LAG themes or sub-themes
Links to LEADER cross-cutting issues of environment, climate change and innovation
Links to priorities of the LAG and needs in Local Development Strategy (LDS)

15. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Quotations/Tenders
Quotations/Tenders must be obtained for each item of expenditure for which grant aid is sought.
Familiarise yourself with the detailed requirements.
Important to follow correct procurement procedures – See

16. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Financial Statements
For existing companies 3 years of Financial records required; In general audited accounts are required
Bank Statements for all accounts for at least 3 months in the applicants name required.
Evidence of availability of matching funding (see next slide) and also of bridging finance.
Note LEADER grants are paid retrospective to project spending.

17. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Matching Funds
Matching funding - additional cash contribution required to meet project costs.
Matching funding can come from private sources, or from public sources in the case Community or organisation applications
Public Matching Funding must come from other non-EU sources.

18. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Tax Compliance
VAT: All applicants must be VAT registered or, have written confirmation from Revenue Commissioners
Tax Clearance Procedures:
Grant payments require evidence of tax compliance on completion and/or payment stage.
Supplier Tax Clearance required for payments over €10,000 (incl. VAT)

19. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
Projects are subject to Departmental Inspections for 5 years post grant aid payment.
If project ceases within 5 years of receiving grant aid the full grant aid amount will be reclaimed with interest penalties.
OTHER POINTS
Funding process may take >6 months
Project can only start when Letter of Offer and Contract is signed and returned to the LAG.

20. Basic directions on how to complete a funding application
More Information
In Ireland more information can be found at or
Find out more about LEADER funding in other EU countries at
The European LAG database can be found at

21. Thank you for your attention 
End of Module
Thank you for your attention 