Further funding for Winchester’s rural business and communities
Winchester City Council is looking to award further funding to rural businesses and not-for-profit and community groups as part of its next round of Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF), which opens to applications on 10 March.
Through the fund, which forms part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, organisations can apply for between £15,000 and £40,000, with commercial businesses required to match fund their projects.
The fund can support businesses that want to make an investment in tangible assets, such as equipment or improvements to their premises, that will help them to expand production, diversify or go green and be more sustainable. The council is also keen to hear from those who have larger projects.
Some of the projects that have already been supported include larger capacity roasting equipment for a coffee business, barn construction, a shepherd’s hut, and energy-saving measures such as solar panels and ground source heat pumps. Projects such as refurbishment of old farm buildings for tourism, or as a co-working space, could also be eligible.
Speaking about the funding, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture Cllr Lucille Thompson said:
“Rural organisations are hugely important to Winchester’s vibrant local economy and they play a key role in communities throughout the district.
“Our REPF grant scheme is a really significant opportunity and, with the next round of funding opening soon, I would really encourage our district’s rural organisations to apply.”
The council will open the next round of funding on 10 March 2024 and will welcome applications until 17 May.
For more information about the funding, including priority areas for investment, timing and other considerations, visit www.winchester.gov.uk/grants-for-businesses/uk-shared-prosperity-fund.
Any business or organisation, including not-for-profit and community groups, with a project they want to discuss, can contact prosperity@winchester.gov.uk for advice and information on how to apply.
