Rural businesses in Kent are being urged to back a bid to create a £1.8m fund to enable them to diversify and create sustainable enterprises. The West Kent Partnership, which consists of local authorities, a PCT, the Federation of Small Businesses and West Kent Police, has passed the first stage of its application to create the fund. If the South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) allows the bid to go forward, then a detailed strategy will be drawn up for final approval early next year. The aim is to incubate new business ventures in rural communities by providing start-up money and advice over the next five years. SEEDA is overseeing an EU-funded programme which focuses on providing support for rural businesses, including agriculture, tourism and rural communities. The focus will be on improving sustainability and providing support services including training. Cllr Peter Fleming, chairman of the West Kent Partnership, said: ‘The local farming community and rural businesses need our support. At the same time, we must also address issues such as climate change, and respond to the challenges of global, national and regional economic trends in a positive way to generate economic growth and new opportunities.'