£20,000 grant available for rural businesses and community groups

A grant scheme offering up to £20,000 to rural businesses and community groups in Chelmsford has launched. The grant, which does not need to be repaid, aims to improve productivity, and strengthen rural economies and communities.

Benefitting from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)

The funding comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Chelmsford City Council has £300,000 to allocate for the 2024/25 period. Applications for the REPF grant scheme are now open and will close on Friday 30 August 2024.

The grant must be used for capital projects – those that have a useful life of over 12 months, such as buildings or equipment. The fund supports:

1. New and existing rural businesses in developing new products and facilities to benefit the local economy.
2. New and improved community infrastructure, providing essential services and assets for local people and businesses.

This is the second year the fund has been available, with examples of successful projects from last year available online under the 'previously funded projects' drop down.

Examples of businesses that received the REPF grant in 2023/24. Click on images for individual captions.

Understanding the eligibility criteria

Applicants must have at least 20% match funding in place. This funding is specifically for rural areas which, within the Chelmsford district, is quite a broad definition. It generally excludes locations close to the Chelmsford city centre and South Woodham Ferrers, but plenty of areas within the district are still eligible. According to the REPF criteria, eligible rural areas include:

• Towns, villages, and hamlets with populations below 10,000.
• Market or hub towns with populations up to 30,000 that serve surrounding rural areas.

To determine if your area is eligible, visit the government’s interactive MAGIC map and follow the instructions on the council’s website under "eligibility."

Examples of how to use the grant

The REPF grant can help rural community groups or businesses with capital projects. Funding can be used for:

• small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas
• growing the local social economy and supporting innovation
• developing and promoting the visitor economy
• investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups
• creation and improvements to local rural green spaces
• existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions that make up the local cultural heritage offer
• local arts, cultural, heritage and creative activities
• active travel enhancements in the local area
• rural circular economy projects
• impactful volunteering and social action projects

Links to more examples can be found on the city council website.

Councillor Simon Goldman, Cabinet Deputy for Economic Development & Strategic Projects encourages eligible organisations to apply:

“

"There are extensive opportunities to be explored in Chelmsford that could make use of the Rural England Prosperity Fund. With the £20,000 grant being non-repayable, it's an excellent chance for businesses and community groups to accomplish projects that will enhance the local area. If there are any uncertainties about eligibility or project suitability, our Economic Development team is more than happy to assist. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your ideas."

Cllr Simon Goldman, Cabinet Deputy for Economic Development & Strategic Projects

To apply for the Rural England Prosperity Fund grant and for more information, visit: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/business/business-advice-support-and-news/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf/rural-england-prosperity-fund.