£100k of funding now available through launch of Rural Enterprise Capital Grant Scheme

Rutland County Council is pleased to announce the launch of the Rural Enterprise Capital Grant Scheme, a new £100,000 funding programme to support rural business development across the county.

Funded by the UK government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF, an extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund), this scheme is designed to boost growth, create jobs, and stimulate innovation - all while meeting net zero requirements.

The scheme is now open to applications from eligible Rutland small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Businesses can apply for grants ranging between £5,000 and £10,000 and are required to provide 50% match funding to their project. Applications must be in by September 2025 and will support projects completed by 31 January 2026.

Grants must be used for capital investment, such as buildings, equipment, or technology, with the scheme placing particular emphasis on projects that support job creation, sustainability, and community cohesion in Rutland. A wide range of business types are welcome, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, Community Interest Companies, and social enterprises.

Rutland County Council is extremely pleased to be able to welcome a dedicated business advisor to the Economic Development Team who will work closely with applicants on this programme, offering free one-to-one advice to help shape strong project proposals, review eligibility and develop realistic plans.

"This programme aligns with Rutland’s wider corporate strategy to foster a productive, resilient, and inclusive rural economy. The council encourages all eligible businesses to take advantage of this valuable support while funding remains available and apply as soon as possible."

Cllr Rosemary Powell - Rutland County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development

To begin the application process, businesses must first register with the Think Rutland Business Support service to discuss their project with the business adviser.

Full details of the grant can be found on our UK Shared Prosperity Fund page.

Notes

Previous recipients of this grant have exemplified how this grant can boost growth, reduce costs and promote sustainability.

For Inspire2tri, a community-oriented, not-for-profit sports centre in Manton, the grant made it possible for the centre to install a state-of-the-art solar energy system that supports long-term sustainability goals while reducing energy costs.

In another example, a local dental practice, Green Oakham Dental Care, utilised the Rutland Rural Enterprise Grant to establish a dedicated inhalation sedation suite, addressing the lack of sedation services in Rutland's dentists. The project aimed to improve access to safe, effective sedation for dental procedures, reducing wait times and enhancing service delivery for the community.