A FUNDING scheme to support rural businesses and communities is relaunching across Wychavon.
The Wychavon Rural Fund aims to support valuable new capital projects promoting the growth and development of start-ups and small businesses or schemes bringing something new to a community.
Funding of up to £25,000 is available in round two of the scheme, with funds intended for physical projects such as new equipment or machinery. Funds also aim to support farm diversification outside of agriculture.
Grants ranging from £2,500 to £25,000 are available, with recipients required to match at least 30 to 50 per cent of the total project costs. The total of funds available is £245,000, made possible by the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Emma Kearsey, deputy council leader and executive board member for planning, infrastructure and urban design at Wychavon, said: “I am delighted this second round of funding has been made available.
“This investment is crucial for our rural businesses and communities, and it will play a pivotal role in bolstering our local economy.
“I very much welcome the creative ideas and projects tour local businesses and community groups will bring forward to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday, July 7. Full applications must then be completed by 12 noon on Monday, August 18. Decisions on recipients will be made at the end of September 2025.
All projects from both rounds one and two must be completed by Saturday, January 31 2026.
Two Wychavon projects previously benefiting from the fund are the Inkberrow Cricket Club and Church Lench Village Hall.
Inkberrow Cricket Club received over £11,000 to invest in the future of cricket by building a dedicated junior cricket square.
This enables the Club to provide better facilities for more children from diverse backgrounds and from further afield.
A grant of over £7,500 was allocated to Church Lench Village Hall to install a solar panel and storage battery system, bringing a projected energy saving of £79,000 over 25 years.
