VOUCHER SCHEME

Note: Each voucher must be processed (i.e. All support completed, the Rural Tourism Network has received a claim form, and refunds made) by 31st March 2009. There is a finite amount of funding for the Voucher Scheme which will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Completed claim invoice forms must be received by 27th February 2009 (including all receipts and supporting evidence) in order to receive funding.

In order to apply for the voucher scheme please contact Fiona Houchin

Tel: 0117 946 2215
E-mail: fiona.houchin@tsnsw.org.uk

Types of businesses that will be eligible for support

• Tourism related businesses which are located within North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire, including accommodation, attraction, activity and hospitality businesses, along with retail businesses that also attract visitors to view an aspect of their business, e.g. farm shops and craft businesses, and rural businesses looking to diversify into tourism.
• Businesses must employ fewer than 250 people.
• Businesses must be located in rural areas including settlements of less than 10,000 inhabitants.

Maximum amount of funding payable per business

Maximum amount of funding awarded per business will be £1,000.00 (to include VAT). Funding is to be allocated on a first come first served basis until the allocated funds have been used fully.

Percentage match funding contribution

Minimum contribution per business is 50% which is to match the maximum funding of £1,000.00 (including VAT), to make a maximum total per business available for each voucher £2,000.00. If a business wishes to spend more than £2,000.00 total on an item of support only the first £1,000.00 spent will be matched by the voucher.

Type of support that may be purchased

Training
Business support
Consultancy
Skills training
Management training
Education and qualifications
Business diagnostics
Marketing design and consultancy
ICT Support

This is not an exhaustive list of the types of support that may be purchased, but a guideline to help businesses.

Validity period of the voucher

Each voucher must be processed (i.e. The Rural Tourism Network has been invoiced and all support completed) by 31st March 2009. Claim invoice forms must be received by 27th February 2009 so that all refunds can be completed by 31st March 2009.

Business Obligation

Each business receiving support through the Rural Tourism Business Clusters project will be required to complete a short report cataloguing their involvement with the project, including any benefits to their business as a result.

General information

The aim is to help at least 40 businesses through the voucher scheme over the course of the project, and funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Businesses will also be given assistance by signposting to other forms of business support.

PROCEDURE

1. Organisational needs analysis
Any business interested in applying for a voucher will be required to complete a free organisational needs analysis through a nominated consultant in conjunction with Train to Gain. The use of the voucher will be influenced by the results of the organisational needs analysis, and any subsequent recommendations provided by Business Link Business Advisers.

2. Application
Each business that is eligible for the voucher scheme under the criteria set out for the project (details of which can be found on the Rural Tourism Network website at: http://woe.tsnsw.org.uk/rural) will apply once they have identified the type of business support that is required. Businesses will be required to submit details of the proposal and an estimate of cost which will be approved prior to the support taking place. The quote from the supplier of the support provided, or estimated price of a course or support will provide the basis for the application. In exceptional circumstances work/support which has been started prior to approval of an application may be approved. However, the work/support needs to have been initiated during the life of the project (from 1st January 2008). The full procedure for applying for funding will need to be completed before any decision is made by the project. Any decision will be based on the full application and supporting evidence for that application.

3. Decision
Applications will be assessed and the applicant informed of the decision within one calendar month.

4. Support Provided
Once the application has been approved the support can be undertaken by the business. The business will pay the provider in full for each instance of support undertaken. The business will then collect a receipt/receipted invoice for the full amount paid for the support provided, which should include the supplier/provider company name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.

5. Claim Form
Applicants will be required to submit a copy of the receipt from the supplier/provider after the specified support has been completed using the claim invoice form provided, which is then to be returned to the Rural Tourism Network, 53 Queen Square, Bristol. BS1 4LH. Payment will be made against the receipt up to a maximum per business of £1,000.00 or 50% of the cost (whichever is lower). Completed claim invoice forms must be received by 27th February 2009 in order to receive a refund.

6. Reporting
The claim invoice form also includes a short report to be completed by the applicant cataloguing their involvement with the project and the benefits received as a result of the funding. This report should also contain any other comments or feedback which is relevant.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Validity period of the voucher
Approved applications are only a guarantee of funding being available if a completed claim invoice form is received by 27th February 2009 and Rural Tourism Network is satisfied that the criteria and objectives have been met. Funding is finite and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Claims will only be paid to pre-approved applicants until such time as funding has been exhausted or until the end of the project, whichever occurs first.

Changes to Voucher Scheme
At the time of publication all information has been checked and to our knowledge is correct. We do however reserve the right to make amendments and will notify you of any changes at the earliest opportunity.

Suppliers/providers
The Rural Tourism Network is not responsible for actions taken by any supplier or provider employed through the voucher scheme by a participating business. It is the responsibility of the business that their chosen supplier/provider meets all minimum legal requirements for the service provided.

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