What is Village SOS?
The search is on for six UK villages with a great business idea that will bring new life to their community. The best ideas will receive funding of up to £400,000 each from the Big Lottery Fund.
We're also looking for six Village Champions, enterprising individuals who will work with the successful villages to launch and run their brand new businesses.
Their stories will be followed for a major primetime series for BBC One in winter 2010.
Villages with a bright idea
Villages with fewer than 3,000 people were invited to apply for a Village SOS grant on the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) website. BIG is looking for dynamic business ideas that will help transform rural communities and bring long lasting change.
Village Champions who want to make a difference
The BBC will select individuals with a can-do attitude and a track record of running a successful enterprise or project. Village Champions will move to their new community for a year and will each receive a £30,000 pa salary.
Find out more about Village SOS
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Countryfile reports on how the Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire is helping to revitalise local businesses along its route.
It is now too late to apply to take part in Village SOS. The selection process has started. Take a look at the Timeline
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