Level 1 Grants (up to £20,000) and Level 2 Grants (£20,001-£50,000) are available.

Due to the tight funding timescale, the first round of applications need to be submitted by 19 September. There is likely to be a second round early in October. All funds must be spent by 28 February 2023.

Decisions on funding will be made by the Scottish Borders Local Action Group (LAG) which has extensive experience in the administration and delivery of projects across the Scottish Borders.

The LAG is a group of members representing various agencies, public sector, small businesses and voluntary organisations across the Scottish Borders and who previously undertook decision making on LEADER programme projects.

Open to constituted voluntary organisations, registered small businesses (including sole traders), registered charities and trusts, projects must meet at least one of four priorities:

• Rural Poverty Alleviation
• Climate Change/Net Zero
• Cultural Economic Recovery
• Inclusive Growth (includes Community-Led Tourism and Creative Industries)

Gary White, chair of the Local Action Group, said: “We are very excited about this new fund which will help to alleviate some of the challenges being faced by our rural area following Covid, and assist with shaping the way forward as we look more to Net Zero.

“Our LAG is keen to work with local communities to assist them in delivering new approaches specific to their own economic needs to better shape a more prosperous Scottish Borders for the future.”