Derbyshire Dales District Council has received an additional £1.02 million in Government funding to support local businesses and community groups over the next year. The funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, building on a previous £2.7 million allocation.
The new funding will be distributed through grants aimed at supporting business diversification, growth, digital adoption, and workforce training. Capital and revenue grants will be available across all sectors, with priority given to manufacturing and engineering firms. Businesses may also access free energy audits and apply for additional funding to implement sustainability measures and reduce operational costs.
Previous rounds of investment in the area have funded a range of projects, including technology upgrades for a motor racing simulator business, energy audits for historic sites, and solar panel installations for engineering firms. Community organisations, charities, and local councils will also be able to apply for support through an expanded Community Resilience Grants programme.
Funding is available until March 2026, with a focus on strengthening business resilience and addressing skills shortages in the district.