Rural England Prosperity Fund
Grants for diversification projects remain available for rural businesses.
Having previously reported the availability of grants under the Rural England Prosperity Fund, we provide an update from each Local Authority still welcoming grant applications.
Ashford Borough Council have reopened applications for their Rural Green Business Grant, which supports businesses to pursue energy efficiency and transition projects, and the Rural Place and Provenance Grant, which provides a boost for businesses in the food, drink, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Applications remain open until 30th June 2024.
The West Kent Rural Grants scheme under Sevenoaks District Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council offers funding for small scale investment in micro and small enterprises, developing and promoting the visitor economy and rural circular economy projects. The scheme remains open for applications, with £200,000 of funding remaining available.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council continue to welcome applications for grants ranging from £3,000 up to £30,000 for projects that can demonstrate longer term impacts and wider benefits for the local rural economy, to support rural business growth and resilience and improve local facilities and amenities. Projects relating to climate change mitigation and biodiversity are particularly encouraged.
Wealden District Council have two grants still open for applications. The Community Infrastructure and Spaces Grant offers grants of between £1,000 and £20,000 to Parish Councils and not for profit organisations for projects that benefits local residents.
This fund is open until Autumn 2024.
The Rural Business Grant offers grants of between £2,500 and £50,000 to businesses for projects that will support their growth and investment in Net Zero infrastructure. Projects could include farm diversification, property adaptions, creation of rural leisure and tourism businesses, as well as the purchase of new equipment, machinery and commercial vehicles.
The fund closes on December 31, 2024
If you are within one of these Local Authority Areas and have a project in mind, please speak with a number of the Rural Professional Team.
