| HDC launches capital grant funding for Rural Businesses | |
| Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has allocated £350,000 to support the growth of rural businesses with a grant from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority following an award from the Government’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The Defra Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) supports the aims of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and succeeds LEADER funding from the EU. The HDC REPF grant scheme funds capital projects for micro and small businesses to help improve productivity, prosperity and strengthen the rural economy.
HDC recognises the unique challenges faced by rural enterprises and aims to provide the financial assistance needed to stimulate growth and drive positive change. The scheme seeks to support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. The allocation of grant funding will be prioritised to businesses, including farms, to diversify income streams and opportunities resulting in a new product or service in addition to developing and expanding sustainable rural tourism offers.
HDC will fund 50% of the capital value for projects costing up to £150,000. The minimum award will be £5,000 based on a project value of £10,000 and the maximum award will be £75,000 based on a project value of £150,000.
A Council spokesperson said: “Much of Huntingdonshire is rural and we are delighted to launch this significant grant programme to empower rural businesses. We are committed to the development of our rural communities and believe these grants will help to create positive change, innovation, and growth for the whole district.
“We encourage eligible businesses to take advantage of this unique funding opportunity and submit their applications. We anticipate a competitive selection process as the council seeks to support projects that best support a thriving and sustainable rural economy”.
The Council is expecting high demand for this scheme and potential applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with the Rural Grants team on eligibility and support on how to complete a successful application.
For more information about the grant program, eligibility criteria, and application process, please visit Rural England Prosperity Fund – Rural Business Grants – Huntingdonshire.gov.uk
If you would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact the Rural Grants team on ruralgrants@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
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