European funds

The main Structural Funds for the period 2007 to 2013 are the:

• European Regional Development Fund
• European Social Fund
• Rural Development for England

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

ERDF funding aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by supporting regional economic development. The East Midlands is eligible for more than £190m between 2007 and 2013, which, when combined with the required match funding, provides a programme value of approximately £380m – a significant investment in the economic development of the region.

East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) is responsible for the programme management and delivery of the region’s new ERDF Competitiveness Programme.

Specific funds are available to support economic and enterprise activities in Bolsover and Chesterfield and you can find out more on the EDRF page.

To help regional stakeholders find out more about ERDF, the region’s strategy for delivering the funds, how to apply for funding and how the Programme is managed, a bespoke website had been created.  Please visit the site for further details. You can find the link in the related links section.

European Social Fund (ESF)

The England ESF programme for 2007 to 2013 is worth approximately £2.163 billion and the region’s allocation is £174 million.

ESF is a national programme delivered in the regions with two priorities for action:

• Extending employment opportunities
• Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce

Government Office for the East Midlands (GOEM) is responsible for the programme management of the region’s ESF allocation and further details are available on their website. You can find the link in the related links section below.

Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

Funded by the Defra and the European Union, emda has approximately £60m available for projects in the East Midlands during the life of the programme.

RDPE will target land-based businesses in the East Midlands including farmers, foresters, horticulturists.   Eligible  activities  include support to:

• farm businesses wishing to restructure through the development of diversified activities that provide alternative income sources

• projects to develop the agricultural industry including activities such as:

  • Heating and power generation fuelled by wood products or wind

  • Bio gas production

• improving the processing and marketing of agricultural and forestry products by adding value through investment
• development of new products in  the agriculture, forestry and food sectors to take advantage of market opportunities
• improving and broadening  the economic value and potential of private forests
• skills development in agricultural, horticultural, food and forestry businesses and organisations. This will be focused on business training, skills, sharing of knowledge and good practice.

LEADER

LEADER is a programme  within the Rural Development Programme, England which assists rural communities in improving the quality of life and economic prosperity of their local area through small scale innovative projects.

There are two LEADER Partnerships in Derbyshire:

• Peak Rural Action Zone Derbyshire (opens in a new window) and
• Bolsover and North East Derbyshire (opens in a new window).