Funding boost for Winchester’s rural communities
Businesses and community groups in the Winchester district’s rural towns or villages can now apply for a share of the next Rural England Prosperity Fund award, administered by Winchester City Council.
Through the fund, which forms part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, organisations can now apply for between £15,000 and £40,000, with commercial businesses required to match fund their projects by 50%.
The grant can be used to fund a variety of activities that support business growth or help provide a better service to communities, including upscaling operations, improving facilities, or providing investment to get a new project or business off the ground.
Speaking about the funding, Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Business and Culture Cllr Lucille Thompson said:
“Whether it’s setting up a microbrewery, upscaling a kitchen cupcake business, installing EV chargers or improving wheelchair access, this funding is a fantastic opportunity for growth and improvement among our rural businesses and communities.
“I’m really pleased to invite rural organisations, who play such a vital part in the district’s vibrant local economy, to apply for the fund and benefit from this significant investment.”
Funding applications for projects that can be delivered between April 2024 and March 2025 are open until Friday 5 January 2023 and a total of £350K will be allocated in this round. The remaining funding will be allocated in Spring 2024.
The grants are subject to the release of funding by central government in April 2024.
To apply and to find out more visit: www.winchester.gov.uk/business/uk-shared-prosperity-fund