06 Jun Rural business grant scheme launched

Grants of £10,000 – £50,000 are now available for rural businesses across North Northamptonshire.

Using monies received from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, North Northamptonshire Council has launched the grant scheme to support existing rural businesses, with applications now open.

The Rural Fund provides capital funding to support rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams.

Further information on how to apply for these business grants is available on the NNC website.  Completed applications must be received by 5pm on 21 July 2023.

Cllr David Howes, the council’s Executive Member for Rural Communities and Localism, said:

“Rural businesses often face specific challenges and this grant scheme will help support them grow and develop. This particular scheme is just the start of the support on offer for rural communities across North Northamptonshire, so I would encourage those living and working in rural areas to keep an eye out for more information.”

Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said:

“The capital grants are available to support business resilience and growth, with applications around innovation and those looking to reduce carbon emissions prioritised. But I would urge any rural businesses in North Northants to have a look online and apply.”

Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said:

“As with our main Shared Prosperity Funding, we are looking to ensure our allocation reaches those most in need. Grants of up to £50,000 are available so this could make a real difference to business in our rural communities.”

Further grant support from NNC for rural community groups and organisations will be made available soon and more information will be published on the NNC website, when available.

NOTE

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

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.