Rural businesses and communities can now apply for up to £25,000 worth of funding with the return of the Malvern Hills Rural Fund.
Round one of the fund is now available to support good value, new capital projects that will assist start-up, growth, development, and job creation.
The money can only be used to fund physical projects such as new buildings or a new piece of equipment or machinery and not for staff or day-to-day running costs.
The fund will also fund farm diversification outside of agriculture.
Individual grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are on offer, and businesses will be expected to match 50 per cent of the total cost of a project.
Projects from previous rounds of funding include a new adult fitness trail and children’s play area at Pitlands Farm, the relocation and expansion of Wykeham Gardens Plant Centre to The Fold, and the conversion of an agricultural barn into Kingcraft Workshop and Studio in Longdon.
Projects must be delivered in a rural area within the Malvern Hills District and should only begin once they have received funding approval.
Expressions of interest must be submitted through the Malvern Hills District Council website using the online form by midday on 5 May 2025. Shortlisted bids will then be invited to work up a full application.
More information about the qualifying criteria and how to apply can be found on the council’s website www.malvernhills.gov.uk/business/grants-and-funding/malvern-hills-rural-fund.
Ian Edwards, Director of Economy and Environment at Malvern Hills District Council said: “We are really pleased this scheme is on offer again, it’s a great opportunity for businesses and organisations to start a new project which will enable them to grow and develop.”
This scheme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
News published 17 April 2025.
