Westmeath's artisan food businesses urged to avail of €5m aid initiative

Artisan food businesses seeking investment are being encouraged to avail of a new €5 million support scheme that could provide them with up to €200,000 in funding.

Westmeath Community Development, which delivers the LEADER programme in the county has joined with Ministers Heather Humphreys, Charlie McConalogue and Pippa Hackett in urging artisan micro and small food businesses to sign up for the €5 million LEADER Food Initiative.

"We continue to stand ready to assist artisan micro and small food enterprises who wish to invest in their businesses in this important time as our economy emerges from the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid-19," stated Frank Murtagh, the CEO of Westmeath Community Development.

"With a revised rate of aid of 75%, the LEADER Food initiative offers attractive support to food enterprises wishing to take the next step.

"With a range of supports available, including funding up to €200,000, the LEADER Food initiative has proven to be a real catalyst for successful artisan, micro and small food enterprises in recent years.

"I am advising interested parties to contact us today to discuss whatever plans they may have for progressing their food enterprise," he said.

LEADER is a rural development programme, co-funded by the EU, which supports private enterprises and community groups in rural areas.