Derbyshire Dales District Council has launched the 2025/26 extension to its business and community grants programme, funded by the UK Government.
The District Council has been awarded more than £1 million for its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) programme.
Applications for capital or revenue funding are now open for businesses in all sectors, particularly those with growth potential and incorporating decarbonisation measures. Free 1:1 business support and advice are also available to help identify potential growth and energy cost savings and reduce carbon footprint.
Funding is also available for charities, voluntary sector organisations, and parish and town councils to access support to become more resilient.
Businesses and organisations should initially register their interest at www.investinderbyshiredales.org/grants. The scheme runs until March 2026, but businesses and organisations are advised to register their interest and apply as soon as possible.
Funding is currently subject to confirmation and agreement from the UK Government before funds can be released.
The Accelerator business advice project – run by East Midlands Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the District Council – has also been extended to March 2026. Anyone operating a business in the Derbyshire Dales can benefit from free 1:1 business support and workshops.
Funded energy audits are also on offer to help identify energy efficiencies and cost reductions with Growth Vouchers available towards the costs of specialist training and consultancy to improve business processes or introduce new technologies.