Prior to this, Defra had appointed pilot leads via a tendering process to operate the pilot from November 2022 until spring 2023.
Defra was looking to use the pilot to test incubation:
- providing tactical support to young businesses through the early stages of development
- nurturing entrepreneurs to further develop a business idea
- encouraging innovation and growth
Those taking part will be supported to pitch for the land and finance they may be after.
Eligibility
The pilot was available to the following NFU members:
- individuals with some farming experience, but not their own land-based business
- individuals with four to 10 years’ experience running a land-based farming business
Recruitment deadline
Defra aimed to recruit about 200 pilot participants in total. Recruitment activity information can be found at: New Entrant Support Scheme: apply for the pilot | GOV.UK
Term / costs
The pilot will run into spring 2023.
Pilot activities were to take place in the evenings and on weekends, they can be carried out online at a time that works for you.
There was no cost to participants.
Organisation that are running the pilots
Project type: Rural land-based opportunities
| Region | Pilot lead |
| West Midlands | Harper Adams University |
| South West | School for Social Entrepreneurs |
Project type: Peri-urban land-based opportunities
| Region | Pilot lead |
| North East | School for Social Entrepreneurs |
| South West | The Landworkers' Alliance |
| South East | Shared Assets |