New grant fund for rural villages available

BIG Lottery Funding could be used for community renewable energy enterprise.

BIG are inviting villages across the UK to apply with ideas for successful enterprises that will help revive their communities, create new jobs and improve the quality of life of local people.

BIG and the BBC believe that villages are often sitting on a range of untapped potential that, with the strength of the community behind them, could be turned into thriving businesses.

Village SOS also aims to make an impact beyond the funded villages through a major learning campaign, which will help other villages use the learning and enthusiasm to take a bold step towards starting a new business that will regenerate their own communities.

If you live in a rural village with fewer than 3,000 people and have an idea for a new business that could bring energy and life back to your community, then Village SOS could be for you.

The BBC will be documenting the journey of the six villages and their Village Champions for a major prime time series for BBC One in winter 2010. The programmes will follow the new enterprises from start-up to trading.

Find out more about the programme at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_village_sos

If you have any questions about the programme and whether you are eligible, ring the BIG helpline on 0844 88 88 677 or email: general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk