Rutland County Council have opened the Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant, a new initiative funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This grant scheme is designed to support small and medium businesses in rural areas of Rutland, with the aim of driving economic growth, business diversification and innovation, and promoting sustainable practices.
This grant scheme has received £200,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, of which the REPF is an extension.
Businesses can apply for grants between £5000 - £20,000 for their projects. The grant will fund up to 50% of the total project costs, and the projects applied for must be capital. Projects must be completed by 31 January 2025.
Businesses are able to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for this scheme, however the funding has been fully subscribed. Further applications will be on a waiting list and will be invited to submit a full application if funds become available.
Applicants must demonstrate how their project will deliver the ‘Business growth’ objective, and at least one other:
- business growth
- job creation
- community cohesion
- innovation
- green growth
- wider economic impact
How to apply
- carefully review the grant criteria to determine your project's eligibility
- consult with a business adviser for guidance on preparing your application and reviewing your project - contact Rutland's Business Lincolnshire adviser at harry.haslam@bizlincolnshire.com - this support is free to Rutland businesses
- fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) form with details about your project
- your EOI will be evaluated. If your project appears eligible, you will be invited to submit a full application
- submit the full application
- your application will undergo assessment
- if your application is successful, you will receive a grant offer
- once the grant offer is accepted, you can progress with your project - please note that grants are paid in arrears, meaning that the funds will be disbursed after the expenses have been incurred and reported - you will need to cover the initial costs and then submit the necessary documentation to receive reimbursement
- upload evidence of spending and of your project outputs and outcomes
- once satisfactory evidence has been received, you will receive the grant funds
Rutland County Council have partnered with NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd to help with the administration of this grant scheme. You can contact them by emailing grants@nbv.co.uk.