Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are now available for rural businesses across North Northamptonshire.
Using monies received from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, North Northamptonshire Council has re-launched a grant scheme to support existing rural businesses, with applications now open.
Following on from round 1 earlier in 2023, round 2 applications are invited from projects that can start quickly and be delivered with all spend claimed by 28 February 2024. Capital Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are available in Round 2.
The grant scheme is intended to help rural businesses become more resilient and support growth. A particular target for Round 2 is rural diversification, including farm diversification and projects which support the visitor economy. The awarding of capital grants will enable rural businesses to invest in equipment or for building extensions and alterations.
Applications for this funding (Round 2) must be received by 5pm on Friday 24 November.
Cllr David Howes, the council’s Executive Member for Rural Communities and Localism, said: “I am pleased that following on from round 1 earlier in the year, we are now launching a new round of capital grant funding for rural businesses across North Northamptonshire.
“Rural businesses face a unique set of challenges and this grant scheme is designed to help them grow and develop.”
Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “This latest round of funding is designed to help rural businesses become more resilient and support growth, specifically around diversifying businesses. I would urge any rural businesses in North Northants to get in touch, take a read through the criteria and apply.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “As a council, we are always looking for ways to ensure funds get to those who most need it and these grants will make a real difference. If you are not eligible for funding this time, there will be a further round of funding opening later in 2023.”
Interested rural businesses who wish to apply for funding in round 2 are invited to send a request for an application form, eligibility criteria and guidance notes to ukspf@northnorthants.gov.uk
Rural businesses should also be aware that there will be an additional opportunity to apply for funding in Round 3. This will be for projects that will start in or after April 2024 and can be delivered with all spend claimed by 28 February 2025. Businesses are able to apply to more than one round for different projects.
