The grants are being targeted at parts of Derbyshire Dales and the High Peak.

A total of £1.7m is available from the Peak Leader Rural Grants Scheme, which is being managed by Derbyshire County Council on behalf of the Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

Grants will be available for projects that can create jobs, grow businesses or develop community services in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.

The grants can also be used to increase farm productivity, for farm diversification and small business support – as well as to provide new services in rural areas

Other uses include small scale culture, heritage developments and improvements, new small tourist attractions and forestry or woodland improvements.

County councillor Anne Western said the local authority was committed to building a strong economy that creates jobs and grows businesses.

She added: “These grants are a welcome boost for rural communities in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.”

Bids will be considered by the programme’s Local Action Group which is made up of representatives from the local authorities, voluntary groups, community groups and businesses within the Peak District.

Local Action Group chair Lewis Rose said: “We aim to deliver a difference by building on our successful track record of excellent partnerships and creating jobs by working with existing and new start businesses.

“We will champion and support entrepreneurial communities, ensuring that innovative ideas to improve and add to our rural services can be tested and delivered.”

The scheme is being funded by the European Union through the Government’s Rural Development Programme for England.

The scheme opened on Friday 20 November 2015 with the first deadline for outline applications on 8 January 2016.

Potential applicants can visit the Leader in the Peak 2015 to 2020 website or email peakleader@derbyshire.gov.uk.