New Environmental Economy
Do you have a New business idea? That uses the Peak District Environment? And supports the local Economy?
If you can answer yes to all three questions, the New Environmental Economy (NEE) programme may be able to help you start or improve your business.
NEE enables you to develop new products and services based on using the high quality environment of the Peak District as a business asset. This can create a distinctive marketing edge for your business.
What does using the Peak District Environment mean?
The NEE philosophy is to encourage business development projects that make use of the high quality environment of the Peak District, this could be its ecological, historical or archaeological features or its rich local landscape. Projects must also show how they will contribute to sustaining that high quality environment.
Some examples:
- restoration or conversion of traditional buildings for new business uses
- retailing and marketing of local produce
- creation of visitor trails linking local accommodation with environmental improvement projects carried out along the route such as hedgerow restoration or tree planting schemes
There are many other potential projects that could link the local economy and the local environment - one of the aims of the scheme is to encourage creative ideas. Grants are available from the NEE Programme to help translate these ideas into action.
Since 2002 NEE grants have supported more than 100 projects.
Some of the projects we have funded
Everyone stands to gain from developing businesses that are financially profitable and environmentally beneficial. Research shows that money spent in local businesses stays longer and works harder for the local community. New Environmental Economy businesses can create stronger links in the community and develop a stronger sense of place.
Who can apply?
To qualify for a grant the project must be for a new product or service or your business can be diversifying into something completely new.
Applicants must be located within Derbyshire Dales District Council or High Peak Borough Council catchment areas. Other parishes located within the National Park may also be eligible, contact the Programme Manager to find out.
The fund is generally open to any small to medium enterprise (SME) business, including not-for-profit and social enterprises.
What
can we fund?
- Traditional building conversions
- Labour or contractors' costs
- Specialist equipment
- IT equipment
- Publicity and marketing costs
Volunteer time and professional costs may also qualify depending on the project.
How much financial support might be available from the National Park Authority?
You can apply for grants of several hundred or several thousand pounds, up to a maximum of £20,000.
How long does the grant application process take?
We process most grant applications within three weeks. All applications are independently assessed by a local Business Link advisor.
How
we will help
- We will advise on how your idea can be developed into a project proposal and how to apply for the grants - including help with filling in forms.
- We will award grants from 20% to 80% of total costs, with the most money going to collaborative projects between different businesses that maximise environmental benefits.
- We will be able to put you in touch with other people and companies who have been able to benefit from this scheme or are looking for partners. There is scope for learning from the experience of others locally, nationally and internationally to help you develop project ideas.
- We will organise other contacts to help you develop your project.
- We will be able to offer you ongoing support and guidance.
What to do next
Contact Catriona McLees, Programme Manager, to discuss your project ideas on 01629 816257 or email catriona.mclees@peakdistrict.gov.uk. She will not only be able to give you greater detail of the possible eligibility of your project for NEE grant aid, but also visit you to assist with the completion of the application form and explain whether you need to complete form NEE1 (for individual businesses) or NEE2 (for organisations).
The NEE programme also funds a number of themed projects which you may also wish to get involved with.
Working with and learning from other businesses
