A COUNCIL fund to aid rural businesses in Wychavon is ready for its next round of applicants.
Wychavon District Council’s Rural Fund is again taking applications from small or micro businesses, including farmers, to help them diversity and aid tourism growth.
Rural community projects such as community energy schemes, improvements to local green spaces, upgraded walking and cycling routes and cultural or heritage projects can also bid for support.
The money can be used to fund physical projects such as new buildings or renovations and not for staff or day-to-day running costs.
Individual grants of between £2,500 to £25,000 are on offer, with businesses expected to match 50 per cent of the total cost of the project.
The first round saw 82 organisations put forward projects for funding totaling more than £1.2 million.
In total £1 million of support will be released over the next two years.
The funding comes from the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Councillor Paul Middlebrough, executive board member for town and rural vitality on Wychavon District Council, said: “We know there are many great ideas and projects out there so if you have one, please put forward your expression of interest.
“If you’re not sure if your project will qualify, then please pick up the phone and talk to us, we’ll be happy to offer advice.”
Expressions of interest need to be submitted by 5 January 2024. Those chosen to go on to the next stage will then be asked to submit a full application.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/rural-fund for more. To discuss your application please call Georgie Muckle, UKSPF support officer on 01684 862270.
