Rural England prosperity fund part two takes motion

The second round of the support scheme was announced by the region’s economic delivery partner, North Devon+.

The grants, ranging from £2000 to £35,000, will be funded through local authorities and through central government’s UK shared prosperity fund, as part of the government’s levelling up agenda, which started in September 2021.

The fund is integrated into the UK shard prosperity fund, which aims to support activities that tackle specific challenges faced in rural regions.

The scheme itself is aimed at smaller businesses, with up to 50 employees and less than £10 million in gross revenue, with eligible businesses being able to apply for grants under 3 key investment priorities:

• Funding for net zero infrastructure and diversification of farm businesses outside of agriculture, such as energy saving equipment and encouraging the conversion of farm buildings into other commercial business uses
• Growing the local social economy and supporting innovation
• Developing and promoting the visitor economy such as local attractions, trails and other tourism products

The funds from the REPF scheme provides funding towards buying equipment or software that will help create jobs and introduce new technologies.

These help towards reaching the net zero goal.

Ken Miles, the Chief Executive at North Devon Council, said: “This second round of Rural England Prosperity Fund grants offer a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and social enterprises to thrive.

“These grants can make a real difference, so we urge anyone interested to explore this fantastic opportunity and get their applications in as soon as possible.”

The grant programme will only be open for business applications until November 30.

For more information, you can visit the North Devon+ site here: https://www.northdevonplus.co.uk/our-services/rural-england-prosperity-fund-repf-grant-programme