THIS IS HOW IT WORKS
Do you have an idea that you think could fit as a Leader project? Hooray! Then you are one step closer to making our part of Småland even better. Applying for our large project support is a process that takes some time. The good thing is that you can always contact us at the Leader office and get the help you need – we are with you all the way.
Four steps to your project
Step 1
Getting started
Start by reading about our various project supports and our strategy to see if the idea can fit as a Leader project. It is important that the idea is innovative, locally anchored, long-term, and that there are collaboration opportunities in the project.
When you (you and those you plan to collaborate with) have thought about your idea, it is time to contact us at the office. The idea does not need to be completely finished! Our project administrator will go through it together with you and ask questions so that you can develop a clear and concrete project idea as possible.
Step 2
Write an application
Then it is time to summarize everything into a clear and concrete project application. You write the application in the Swedish Board of Agriculture's e-service. To do this, you need to submit a power of attorney to the Swedish Board of Agriculture. You also need to create a budget and prepare documentation for all costs you expect to incur. It is a lot to submit, but don't worry, we will guide you along the way!
Once you have submitted the application, a case officer will review it and ask you to clarify if there is anything that is unclear or missing. Finally, it is our board that makes the decision on whether you will receive support from us.
Step 3
Implement
If the board says yes, we at the office will continue to process the application. The Swedish Board of Agriculture will then check that everything has been done correctly and make the formal decision. It may take some time. You can choose to wait for it or to start ”at your own risk.” It is unusual for the Swedish Board of Agriculture to have objections to projects that Leader boards have approved.
We will also invite you to a training session where we go through the decision and other important information you need to know. During the implementation, it is important that you follow the regulations – for example, that you inform correctly that you have received EU support.
Step 4
End
When the project is nearing its end, you should feel proud that you have been involved in developing your community! If things did not go as you had planned along the way, you have of course contacted us at the Leader office. If you need more time, you must also reach out before your end date has passed. Then we can extend the project period. But if everything went just as you had planned, and it is time to apply for a final payment, it is very important that you contact us at the office first. We help to review everything so that it is correct before you submit.
We also want to share your project – it can inspire more!
Can your idea fit
as a Leader project?
Answer yes to the questions below!
Does the idea have a local focus?
Do people on site want this project to become a reality? Are those affected by the project involved in it? The idea should come from the location and/or be locally anchored.
Is the idea innovative?
Do you want to try something that is new for your location? Or a different way of doing something? It is not possible to receive Leader support for ongoing operations and maintenance of things you already have/do as usual.
Can you collaborate with others?
Start by talking to others about the idea! Who can you collaborate with? Is a new network needed? It can give the project an important boost forward!
Will the project benefit many?
We want to see improvements/development for more than just you who are implementing the project.
Does the project fit into our strategy?
Read on the website about our various project supports. It is a good start! In order to receive Leader support from us, the idea must fit into one of them.
Can you cover the costs upfront?
When we talk about implementation capacity, we simply mean whether you can cover the costs upfront. You need to have the finances to manage it in the association/company/organization.
Will the project continue after its completion?
Consider what long-term effects the project can create, and how the project can continue after the project period ends. How will that happen?
Did you answer yes to the questions? Hooray for that!
Contact us by filling out the form below.
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