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Rural Broadband Challenge Fund
This fund
from the Scottish Government aims to improve the coverage
and the speed of broadband in rural areas
It will
be delivered through the local LEADER
programme is part of the Scottish
Rural Development Programme (SRDP), aimed at promoting
economic and community development within rural areas.
What
is the funding for?
Examples
of possible projects for the new challenge fund include the
upgrade of exchanges, pilot projects into next generation
broadband and supporting a business collective to access better
broadband.
Deadlines:
The deadline for bids to the Scottish Government is 24th September
2010.However each LAG area will probably have an earlier closing
date for applications.
The aim
of LEADER is to increase the capacity of local rural community
and business networks to build knowledge and skills, and encourage
innovation and co-operation in order to tackle local development
objectives. LEADER accounts for 5% of the total SRDP allocation
(around £38m). An additional £19.2m Convergence
Funding has been awarded to 7 LAGs in the Highlands and Islands
in recognition of its previous status as a disadvantaged and
remote area. Funding is awarded by Local Action Groups ( LAGs)
who take decisions on projects which are community driven
and have a wide community benefit.
Each LAG
has designed its own LEADER programme which has its own website
and contact details.
For a
list of the areas covered and links to their websites and
application forms click here.
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