New Village SOS fund to revive rural communities

2 Jun 2009

Does your village have a bright idea?

Village SOS is an exciting new initiative from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and the BBC. It is searching for six UK villages with ideas for successful enterprises that will help revive their communities, create new jobs and improve the quality of life of local people. The final six projects will share up to £3 million. They aim to make three awards in England and one each in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

TV Showcase

The winners will have the opportunity to showcase their enterprises as part of a six-part primetime BBC One television show to be broadcast in winter 2010. The programmes will follow the new enterprises from start-up to trading.

Learning opportunities

Village SOS also aims to make an impact beyond the funded villages through a major learning campaign, which will support more villages wishing to regenerate their own communities.

Who can apply?

Voluntary and community organisations in rural villages anywhere in the UK with fewer than 3,000 people can apply.

Apply to Village SOS

Village champions

Six enterprising individuals will act as Village Champions over twelve months to help develop ideas and get them off the ground. Applications are also open to individuals with drive, flair and expertise to launch a brilliant new village business and who want to live and work for a year in a small rural village.

Apply to the BBC to become a Village Champion

Key dates

14 August 2009 - deadline for applications
November 2009 - Shortlisted villages told that they will receive development funding from BIG and must choose a Village Champion from those shortlisted by the BBC
March 2010 - Pairs of villages and champions submit business plans
May 2010 - Funding decisions made. Filming begins and champions move to villages
September 2010 - Businesses open. Filming continues for nine months

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