South Devon coastal businesses and community projects are being reminded that funding is available through the South Devon Coastal Local Action Fund 2015-2020.

In 2015, the DR Company was awarded £1.8m of European Union money for allocation in the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group area - covering the coastline between Exeter and Plymouth.

Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, and due to the quantity of applications received, the South Devon Coastal LAG Fund’s closing date of 2020 has now been brought forward to early 2019. Interested parties will need to submit their full applications as soon as possible to enable funding to be allocated and projects completed by that time.

Managing director Liz Abell said: “At the DR Company, we have seen a very positive response to this funding programme, and a number of projects have already received their money. We are now urging those who have expressed an interest in applying for the fund, and those who are considering doing so, to submit their full applications as soon as possible so as not to be disappointed.”

The South Devon Coastal LAG was set up by local people in 2008, with help from the DR Company. The intention was to bring new money into the South Devon Coastal area to support a broad range of projects and activities that develop and improve the local area: creating jobs, helping businesses become more profitable, providing local facilities and enhancing the local environment. The DR Company team use their expertise and experience to guide applicants through the South Devon Coastal LAG application process from start to finish.

The aim for the 2015-2020 South Devon Coastal LAG programme is to create jobs, assist business growth and benefit the rural economy for farming and forestry businesses, local businesses, start-ups and social enterprises.

A number of successful applicants to the current South Devon Coastal Local Action Group funding programme have already been awarded their money.

Among these is family business Hunt’s Cider in Stoke Gabriel. The funding they received enabled them to buy new equipment which has seen them able to launch a new brand this year.

And Yurts For Life, a yurt manufacturing business based in Staverton near Totnes has been awarded a grant to construct 40ft yurts.

To apply for the South Devon Coastal LAG Fund 2015-2020, or for further information, visit www.drcompany.co.uk.

Applications will be open for a limited time only.