European Funding Objective 2

The strategic objective of the North East of England Objective 2 Programme has three components to be reached by 2008.

• create a substantial volume of new jobs in order to reduce the gap between the North East’s unemployment rate and the average for England. 
• improve the number and performance of Small amd Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in the North East by raising their competitiveness and turnover, thereby bringing the region’s performance closer to the national average. 
• tackle social and economic inclusion by providing support to develop the employability of residents of target communities, thereby reducing employment disparities within the region.                                                     

The whole of Easington District has been designated an Objective 2 area and projects can be developed which address the following priorities: 

• priority 1 is concerned with the opportunities for establishing an Entrepreneurial Culture. 
• priority 2 is concerned with the opportunities for SME Growth and Competitiveness 
• priority 3 is concerned with the Strategic Employment Opportunities 
• priority 4 is concerned with the need to build capacity and extend employment in target communities.                   

Interested applicants should complete the pro-forma found in the documents section. 

Government Office for the North East has a European Funding section where full details of the application process and guidelines can be found. 

European Structural Funds Voluntary Organisations Network (ESFVON North East) is a voluntary organisation that provides help to the voluntary sector who are seeking to make an application for European funds.