
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund Prospectus (GOV.UK).
Rutland County Council were allocated UK Shared Prosperity Funding to spend on projects over three priorities:
- communities and place
- local business support
- people and skills
Rutland County Council were also allocated Rural England Prosperity Funding. The Rural Fund is integrated into the UKSPF which supports productivity and prosperity in places that need it most. For eligible local authorities, the Rural Fund is a rural top-up to UKSPF allocations.
Projects in Rutland supported by the UKSPF
Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant
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 and £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.
Business Lincolnshire
Businesses and individuals looking to start a business in Rutland, can access funded support through Business Lincolnshire. This includes:
- 1-2-1 business advice
- workshops and events
- sector specific support
- net zero
- growth programmes
- digital support
Visit the Business Lincolnshire website to find out more and access this funded support.
Rutland Growth Masterclass
In 2024 Rutland County Council, in partnership with ActionCOACH, ran a 12-week Rutland Growth Masterclass Programme for local business owners, leaders, and managers. This in-person course aimed to enhance growth strategies, improve decision-making, and develop leadership skills. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the 12-week course costs just £200 to businesses.
Programme overview
Delivered by global coaching leader ActionCOACH, the programme focuses on:
- effective growth strategies
- enhanced planning and decision-making
- leadership development
This initiative equips Rutland's business community to thrive in a competitive environment.
Find out more about the Rutland Growth Masterclass Programme via the ActionCOACH website.
Upcoming workshops
Team performance unleashed: a leaders path to a micromanagement-free zone
Date: Wednesday 12 February
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: The Falcon Hotel, 7 Market Place High Street East, Uppingham
Join us for an engaging workshop designed specifically for Business Leaders who want to cultivate a high-performance team culture and boost productivity without micromanagement.
What you’ll gain:
- the secrets of high-performing teams: discover what truly makes a team exceptional
- your role as a business leader: learn how to lead effectively and inspire your team
- team synergy: get your team working together seamlessly
- performance enhancement: strategies to elevate your staff performance
You can book your place now on the Action Coach website for this funded workshop.
Workshop for achieving business and personal goals - Rutland Business Summit 2025
Date: Wednesday 19 March 2025
Time: 9am to 2:30pm
Location: The Rutland Business Summit (at The Barnsdale, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH)
Learn how to craft a vision for your business, develop actionable plans, and monitor your progress with effective techniques.
Find out more about the Rutland Business Summit and book your free place through Eventbrite.
Rutland Innovation Business Support
The Rutland Innovative Businesses Support (RIBS) brings together support for Businesses in Rutland County from all three Leicestershire Universities: De Montfort; Leicester; Loughborough who collaborate as the Civic Universities Partnership for the city and counties of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
RIBS is set to run from October 2024 to March 2025 and draws on the combined strengths and successful track records of the universities to support innovative activities in Rutland.
RIBS provides introductory access to innovation support; specialist facilities/equipment and technical resources working with the Leicestershire universities
Funded opportunities
RIBS offered funded Innovation Voucher opportunities to enable Rutland businesses to work with the universities to access support. The voucher scheme has now been fully allocated.
What can I use an Innovation Voucher for?
Innovation is about doing things differently or doing different things to make your business better. An Innovation Voucher can help you take a creative approach to tackling specific business issues. Typical projects are:
- help to develop new or improved products, processes and services
- access to information and expertise on new materials
- tapping into research and scientific/ technical expertise
Innovation events
RIBS is running a series of events in Rutland designed to engage, promote and develop meaningful business and entrepreneur collaborations with the universities.
The first event was the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Roadshow on 6 November 2024 at the Kings Centre in Oakham as part of the Leicestershire Business Festival. The KTP Roadshow is designed to bring the universities to businesses to make it easier for organisations to meet the KTP and student placement teams of each university and start their innovation collaborative journeys.
Further in-county events are scheduled whereby businesses can liaise with researchers who are already working with industry to adopt and embed new technologies and innovation. Rutland businesses can also register their interest to join mailing lists for Innovation Events at each of the three universities through the RIBS project - these will continue after March 2025.
Innovating in Rutland: The small business's guide to growth - Wednesday 5 February 2025
Experts from the Three Leicestershire Universities and Think Rutland (a team from Rutland County Council) have joined forces to help businesses in Rutland to start, grow and scale through the Rutland Innovative Business Support [RIBS] initiative.
This event is an opportunity to explore:
- Key principles of unlocking resources as a startup or micro businesses – including unlocking funding, expertise, talent and networks
- What Universities can offer new and growing businesses, and where to start
- How to unlock your peer networks to help your business to succeed.
- And join us for a free networking lunch from 12 noon.
Stay up to date on future events by signing up to the Think Rutland Newsletter and following Think Rutland on LinkedIn.
Rutland Skills Boost Grant
This grant scheme is now closed.
The Rutland Skills Boost Grant, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is designed to help local organisations address skills shortages and invest in workforce training. With a total budget of £90,000, the grant supports projects aimed at enhancing workforce capabilities, especially in areas like digital, green, and technical skills.
Who Can Apply?
The grant is available to:
- micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- social enterprises
- public sector organisations (for local benefit)
- registered charities
- parish and town councils
- schools or academies (for wider community benefit)
Applicants must:
- be based and operate in Rutland
- provide training primarily for employees aged 19+ working in Rutland
- meet organisational and financial criteria, such as registration with HMRC and having appropriate insurance
Grant amounts
- micro businesses (fewer than 10 employees) - up to £3,000
- small businesses (10–49 employees) - up to £7,500
- medium businesses (50–249 employees) - Up to £10,000
- minimum grant - £1,000
The grant covers up to 100% of training costs (match funding is encouraged).
Eligible projects
Funding can be used for:
- technical and vocational qualifications up to Level 2
- vocational licenses
- high-value qualifications to address unmet skills needs
- intensive or innovative training programs (both qualification and non-qualification based)
Exclusions
The grant cannot be used for capital costs, fully funded government programmes, standard workplace training (e.g., health and safety), or VAT (if reclaimable).
Application process review criteria
- ensure your project and organisation meet eligibility requirements
- submit application - complete the online form and submit supporting documents
- eligibility review - applications are assessed for eligibility and compliance
- panel review - eligible applications are evaluated by a grant panel
- decision notification - successful applicants receive a grant offer letter
- project completion - grants are paid in arrears after evidence of spending is submitted by 28 February 2025
Application deadline
7 January 2025
Why apply?
The grant helps businesses:
- address skills gaps
- improve performance and attract talent
- enhance staff satisfaction, retention, and promotion
- gain competitive advantages and new business opportunities
Documentation required
- evidence that the organisation is operating and based in Rutland, meaning a lease agreement and business rates letter or reference
- business plan (if the organisation has been trading less than 12 months) - if you need help with this, there is free support available through Business Lincolnshire and NBV Enterprise Solutions
- evidence of a bank account in the organisations name
- two quotations from the training you are applying for (if this is not possible, please explain in your answer)
How to apply
- view the full grant guidance and ensure you read it fully before applying for the grant
- you can prepare for your application by reviewing the questions and preparing your answers
- submit your application via our online form
- after you have completed your application, please email the required documents to economicdevelopment@rutland.gov.uk
Further support
If you have any questions, please email economicdevelopment@rutland.gov.uk.
Leadership and Management Intensive Training for Rutland Business Leaders
One of the successful applicants to the Rutland Skills Boost Grant, was the Leadership and Management Intensive Training, delivered by Action Coach.
Join us for a 6-week course filled with insightful sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. This in-person event will be held at the King Centre, providing a conducive environment for learning and growth. Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out, this training is designed to enhance your skills and equip you with the tools needed to excel in your role. Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow leaders in Rutland and take your leadership journey to the next level. Register now and secure your spot!
The training begins on Tuesday 11 February 2025, and will cover the following topics:
- leadership, management and culture
- finance for business leaders
- customer experience and getting it right
- strategy and planning
- team and communication
- sales and marketing for leaders
Register your interest by Friday 7 February 2025.