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2. New Rural Development Programme/ LEADER 2014 - 2020 l New Programme Budget announced l €11 Million for Co. Mayo l Up and running in late 2015 2

3. Projects Can Include l Farm Shops l Arts + Crafts l Renewable Energy l Tourism Facilities & Amenities l Tourism Marketing l Business Space / Workshops l Enterprise Networks l Start up Businesses & Expansions 3

4. 4 Successful projects that have been funded locally… Rural Development Programme

5. Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities Analysis & Development Renewable Energy Agri-Tourism ICT

6. Support for Business Creation & Development All Stars Performing Arts Academy & Agency Ballinrobe Waste Disposal Wheelie Bin & Skips

7. Encouragement of Tourism Activities

8. Training Funding is available for training This measure is aimed at Specialised Training Funding is not available for main- stream courses i.e. FETAC, HETAC, VEC…

9. Analysis & Development Business Mentoring Feasibility Studies Business Plans Development of Prototype Products Often the first step in Business Development or Expansion

10. Not Eligible: Agriculture Childcare Education Greyhound Industry Healthcare Activities Loans Nursing Homes Conventional retail operations Purchase of land or buildings Race or sports horses Working Capital Race & Sport Industries Insurance Mainstream activities of Sporting clubs & Organisations

11. The Application Process Sue O'Toole, South West Mayo Development Company Meet with Project Officer Innovative Idea No Displacement Application Form Business Plan & Financial Projections Quotations Planning Permission Match Funding

12. The Approval Process Evaluation Committee & Co. Board Board make final decision Approve / Not Applicant signs Contract Project develops to completion Submit drawdown claim then grant payment

13. The Drawdown Process Payment on invoices provided Evidence of payment Insurance Tax Affairs Other Approvals

14. If you only take 3 things… 1.Know the Rules 2.Good Paperwork is Important 3.Only Start on All Clear 14

15. Useful Resources 15  www.basis.ie (Business Access to State Information & Services) www.basis.ie  www.cso.ie (Central Statistics Office) www.cso.ie  www.bizstartup.ie (Enterprise Ireland) www.bizstartup.ie  info@leo.mayococo.ie ( Mayo Local Enterprise Office) info@leo.mayococo.ie  www.businesstools.failteireland.ie/ www.businesstools.failteireland.ie/  Sector Specific Sites…  Crafts/Tourism/Food/Renewable Energy

16. Any Questions? Contact Sue O’Toole – Mobile: 087 2549470 - E-mail: sotoole@southmayo.com Or South West Mayo Development Company Office: 098 41950 – E-mail info@southmayo.com www.southmayo.com 16