The North York Moors National Park Authority is offering grants to tourism businesses, and voluntary and collaborative groups, to support projects which will raise the profile of the North York Moors area.
What is the Local Business Tourism Contribution?
As a result of the development of the Woodsmith Mine near Whitby, a s106 agreement has been secured to provide compensation and mitigation against any negative impacts on the tourism economy of the North York Moors. One of these contributions is a fund to support local tourism business to develop new products and services that showcase the North York Moors and its special qualities.
The criteria
Projects must contribute to all of the following priorities:
- Increase awareness of the North York Moors National Park and/or the wider North York Moors area
- Use the area’s local distinctiveness and special qualities for the benefit of visitors
- Ensure that any increase in visitors is sustainable and that its activities:
- Must not have an adverse impact on the area's tranquillity or the natural and historic environment
- Must not disturb vulnerable or protected wildlife
- Should have the support of the local communities relevant to the project. - Should support the net zero carbon agenda set out by the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
- Demonstrate that it benefits health and wellbeing for visitors in line with our Management Plan objective
We will NOT fund a one-off event or project; it must have a life beyond the funding period.
What kind of project does the funding support?
The North York Moors Tourism Network is working with businesses to find new ways for visitors to appreciate the North York Moors, by creating bookable experiences and activities, and developing new packages and ways to generate more revenue. It is expected that some of these ideas will go on to generate project submissions to this scheme. Therefore priority will be given to those that have joined and are participating actively in the North York Moors Tourism Network.
The contribution is open to individuals, businesses, and other organisations, with priority given to collaborative projects, which will benefit the area as a whole, and those with wider community gains.
Particular focus includes encouraging outdoor activities through our activity friendly schemes. Accommodation providers, retailers, activity specialists and hospitality businesses can all join to become cycling, dark skies, nature or walking friendly. Considerations could include installing drying facilities, secure bike lockers, wildlife watching/dark sky equipment. This excludes the purchase of standard bikes for hire but can include e-bikes, where they will serve markets not currently catered for.
Priority will be given to exceptional and innovative ideas, rather than simply the production of standard print material.
Eligibility
- Applications must only include activity which is considered 'new' i.e. working with new partners, targeting new markets, developing new products/packages or new business start-ups.
- Projects must be within the North York Moors, Hills and Coast area (matching the geographic area of a LEADER Programme 2008-2013). If you are located outside the National Park boundary (but within the North York Moors, Hills and Coast area), you must be able to demonstrate clear links to the North York Moors and show that your project will have a positive impact upon the National Park. Note funding is aimed at rural businesses - Scarborough town falls outside the North York Moors, Hills and Coast area and is NOT eligible.
- Your project must meet all the eligibility priorities stated above
- Projects will be funded between 50% and 70%, with collaborations and the voluntary sector attracting higher awards
- Awards will not generally exceed £10,000
Applying for the grant
The deadline to apply for the 2023/24 grant is 31 March 2024. Applications will be considered throughout the year. However, applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis and, as the fund is limited, you are strongly advised to submit your form as early as possible.
Please contact our Community Engagement Officer via email or phone
For all cycling related applications please contact our Cycling Development Manager via email.
If your project is eligible, you will be contacted with the application process details.