A COUNCIL fund to aid rural businesses in Wychavon is ready for its second 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.
Wychavon District Councllor, Paul Middlebrough said: “We’re delighted to be able to release this second round of funding following strong interest showing in round one.
“This money will help support the growth of all part of our local economy and further enhance our communities so they can continue to thrive.”
Expressions of interest must be submitted by November 13. Shortlisted bids will then be invited to submit a full application.
Decisions on which bids have been successful in round one will be made by the end of the year.
