Updated 29 August 2023: The application deadline for the Harborough Rural Grant Scheme has been extended until Monday 30 October 2023.
The Harborough Rural Grant Scheme opens today, Wednesday 21 June 2023.
Eligible businesses across Harborough District are invited to apply for a grant between £5,000 – £20,000 under 1 of the 4 grant themes.
The grants are being managed and distributed by Harborough District Council using funding received from the government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund which is an extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund*
Grant themes:
Scheme 1 – Farm business diversification
Supports farm businesses to diversify their business activities outside of agricultural activities. Such projects should improve business resilience, development, and revenue.
Examples of eligible projects: Creation of tourism and leisure attractions, new product or service development, converting farm buildings or land to other commercial or business uses.
Scheme 2 – Innovation and growth
Support micro and small enterprises in rural areas looking to deliver innovative projects. Funding will support projects that change the way businesses do something, to improve efficiencies and to generate more income. Projects will need to demonstrate how they are helping to overcome a rural issue or barrier they face in order to growth.
Examples: Investment in a new technology allowing you to bring a process in-house, or investment in a new line of products or services.
Scheme 3 – Green Technology/infrastructure
Support businesses to invest in energy efficient and low carbon technologies. This means businesses can invest in green technology that will improve their carbon footprint. Businesses could also use this funding to develop their own green technology which can be used to improve the carbon footprint of their business and/or other businesses.
Examples: Investment in renewable energy generation, or Electric Vehicle charging provision.
Scheme 4 – Rural Tourism
Capital grants to develop local tourism attractions, facilities, or infrastructure to enhance the rural visitor economy and increase opportunities to attract visitors to our rural areas.
Examples: Creation of new tourism attractions or the development of existing tourism attractions, or investment in rural accommodation or hospitality facilities.
Find out more: https://www.harborough.gov.uk/rural-grants
The grant scheme closes on Monday 11 September 2023. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your project, please contact business@harborough.gov.uk
*The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. More information.
Before you apply, please read the full policy for the fund.
