The North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is opening the application window for the 2025 Rural Business Grant Programme, offering a total of £140,699 to support small businesses in rural areas. Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) under the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the programme helps businesses invest in growth, tourism, carbon-reducing technologies, or farm diversification.
Grants ranging from £1,000 to £15,000 will be available, with recipients required to match at least 50% of the funding. Applications are now open until 31 October 2025, and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. All projects must be completed and claimed by 31 January 2026.
Eligible businesses, companies, and partnerships within North West Leicestershire are encouraged to apply. Full details, including eligibility criteria and application instructions, can be found on the NWLDC website.