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29/07/2010 - Diversification Challenge Fund To Support Sustainability of Post Offices in Scotland

The Scottish Government has launched the £1 million Post Office Diversification Fund to help develop and sustain businesses attached to post offices, for the benefit of both the business and the local community.

Launched after a short consultation undertaken in June this year, the £1 million fund has been allocated through the European State Aid Framework to support capital and revenue costs on projects to introduce diversification to the retail side of post office businesses.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available for capital projects to make structural improvements or introduce additional business activities, or for revenue projects to support the introduction of new business activities. Projects eligible for funding should make the business more sustainable, while demonstrating a strong social purpose and provide a long term economic return on the investment.

Speaking at the launch of the consultation, Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said:

"In our budget for this year, the Scottish Government decided to prioritise economic recovery and, recognising the significance of our post office network, acted to set up a new one million pounds Challenge Fund.

"We want to see applications from post offices focused on diversifying their business. Our priority is to direct funding to help Sub Postmasters develop their enterprise, identifying opportunities for new revenue streams such as retailing, selling different goods, or providing a business service not already available in their locality."

Projects that could be funded by Post Office Ltd or that will cause competition with existing businesses will not be eligible for support.

The deadline for applications to the fund is 30 September.

See the Scottish Government website for application forms and further details (opens in new window).

Source: Scottish Government, 29/07/10

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