£80,000 funding launched in Round 3 of scheme to boost rural businesses and organisations

Rural businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for grants to help them boost productivity, improve community buildings, improve accessibility to tourist attractions and green open spaces that support our local communities and businesses.

The scheme aimed at boosting the rural economy launches Round 3 of funding on Monday 8^th July 2024 with around £80,000 of capital only funding available. Applications will be treated on a first come first served basis until all funding has been allocated.

The scheme, made possible thanks to £400,000 from Rural England Prosperity Fund in 2023 has been extremely popular and has already seen a wide range of businesses and organisations funded to make business performance improvements, purchase new machinery and vehicles and install energy efficiency measures.

Those eligible for the grant include businesses and local organisations that wish to invest in new technologies and equipment that increase productivity; protect and improve local historic buildings and tourism venues which can include new kitchens, energy efficiency improvements and cultural offerings; provide diversification outside of agriculture and develop local tourism attractions.

There are a range of grants available, with funds from £7,500 to £22,500. The grants also have an intervention rate of 75%, meaning businesses and organisations need only find a minimum of 25% of the total eligible project costs to apply.

Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council, Councillor Martin Cartwright said: "We are delighted to be able to continue to offer these grants to support our rural communities and businesses, helping them to thrive especially given the challenging and difficult circumstances over the recent years. Due to the amount on offer, we are expecting these grants to be very competitive, so please apply straight away if you think you'll be eligible. Our thanks to the Rural England Prosperity Fund for helping to make this possible."