The next round of funding for rural businesses and communities is now live.
Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available with round three of the Malvern Hills Rural Fund.
The grant aims to support new small or micro businesses in rural areas, including helping farmers to diversify into other sectors, and growing tourism.
The money can only be used to fund physical projects such as new buildings or renovations and not for staff or day-to-day running costs. Projects should be delivered between delivered between July and December 2024.
Past projects that have been approved include a vineyard expansion into holiday lets, a project to reduce the carbon footprint and expand the business offer of a motor vehicle company, and a wheelchair friendly log cabin for tourist accommodation.
Individual grants are on offer, but businesses will be expected to match 50 per cent of the total cost of a project.
Expressions of interest must be submitted through the Malvern Hills District Council website using the online form by 23 February 2024. Bids will be shortlisted on 26 February and these will be invited to work up a full application for 15 March 2024.
The funding comes from the Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Economic Development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "The third round of funding is now available for rural businesses and communities. We are pleased at the variety of projects that have applied over the past two rounds and it would be great to keep that variety and success going. The Malvern Hills Rural Fund is a brilliant opportunity to support some wonderful rural projects across the district”.
More information about the qualifying criteria for the fund and how to apply can be found at www.malvernhills.gov.uk/rural-fund.
Notes:
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Date published on 8 February 2024
