Home > About the Growth Programme

What is the Growth Programme?

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Programme is the European economic regeneration programme for the region. Running until 2020, it contributes to the EU and local ambition to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The programme is funded through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

How much does Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly receive?

The ESIF Growth Programme is worth over €600 million and is made up of three funding streams:

  • European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is worth circa €450 million
  • European Social Fund (ESF) is worth around €166 million
  • European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

The EAFRD fund will have a smaller allocation of £9.4 million which will align with the wider Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.

Why do Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly receive funds from the EU?

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly qualify for additional funding as our economic performance was below 75% of the European Union average when the programme was originally developed.

The Growth Programme started in 2014 and is the third significant round of EU funding received by Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It builds on the previous Objective One (2000-2006) and Convergence (2007-2013) Programmes.

What is the funding used for?

The ESIF Growth Programme has funded over 100 projects across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, investing for instance in businesses, research and development, low carbon initiatives, infrastructure, employment and training, agriculture, with the overall objective to improve the quality of life of Cornish citizens.

A comprehensive list of the funded projects is available here >

You can also visit our project pages here >

To read about the impact of the programme in the county through our series of case studies click here >

How can I access funding?

Funding for a new project

The Growth Programme has now closed and funding is no longer available for new projects, however support is available from our currently funded projects see below for details.

Funding and support for businesses

If you are a start-up or business looking to access support from our one of funded projects, visit the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub for free, impartial and independent business or skills advice.

Funding and support for individuals

If you are an individual looking for support to improve your skills, find work or training or volunteering opportunities, visit The People Hub for free and confidential advice or call 0333 0150699.

Funding for community projects

The Community Led Local Development (CLLD) project is one of the ESIF Growth Programme funded projects. CLLD has funding available for projects or initiatives that support the local community. To find out more about the team and how they can help visit communityledcornwall.co.uk >.

What happens to the EU funding after Brexit?

Under the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will continue to participate in programmes funded under the current 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) until their closure.

This means that the projects funded through the ESIF Growth Programme will continue to receive EU funding across the programme’s lifetime. In many cases, funded projects will be able to deliver their activities until 2023

As well as continuing to take part in these programmes until they close, the arrangements project deliverers are familiar with will continue as normal throughout, whatever the terms under which the Implementation Period ends. Grant recipients should therefore continue to deliver activities and submit claims to departments in line with Grant Funding Agreements.

Find out more here>