Applications are open again for small rural businesses, community organisations, and parish & town councils in the Stroud district to apply for a slice of £400,000 of Government funding.
Stroud District Council (SDC) was awarded the fund by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
To date, SDC has allocated more than £275,000 to 26 projects and has £125,000 remaining to allocate by 10 January 2025.
Successfully funded projects include £10,626 to The Electric Picture House Cinema in Wotton-under-Edge for a digital laser projector; £7,110 to Bisley-with-Lypiatt Parish Council to upgrade the playground at Eastcombe; £10,000 to Puddleducks Nursery in Chalford to create a new classroom space; and £7,509 to buy and install solar panels for Teckels Animal Sanctuary.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants ranging from £3,000 to £20,000. In most cases, 60% match funding will be required. In special cases 100% grants may be given, up to a maximum of £10,000. The funding is dedicated to capital projects and must be spent on lasting assets such as buildings or equipment. For building projects, if planning permission is required it must be in place at the time of application.
Applications for funding from round six must be submitted by 8 November 2024. Projects must be able to spend the funds by 28 February 2025.
The fund aims to tackle specific challenges faced by micro and small businesses, helping them create jobs and boost community cohesion.
For community group awards, the fund seeks to invest in activities that enhance physical, cultural, and social ties and amenities.
Stroud district is home to around 6,000 businesses, the majority of which employ fewer than 10 people, and thousands of eligible community groups.
Cllr Catherine Braun, Stroud District Council leader, said: “The funds we have allocated so far have made a real difference to many of our rural businesses and community organisations - helping boost the local economy, safeguard jobs, reduce carbon emissions and enhance community cohesion.”
The following organisations are eligible to apply for REPF:
- Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees)
- Small businesses (fewer than 250 employees)
- Social enterprises & Community Interest Companies
- Town & Parish councils
- Registered charities
- Public sector organisations
- Higher and further education institutions
- Constituted community/voluntary groups
REPF will be of interest to organisations operating in the following areas:
- Tourism & the visitor economy
- Heritage
- Farm diversification
- Co-working spaces, networking groups & shared workspaces
- Food & drink entrepreneurs, breweries
- Pet/equine facilities & health
- Arts & cultural organisations, galleries, museums, libraries
- Community shops & hubs
- Community gardens, green spaces
- Repair cafes & mend workshops
Find out whether your organisation is eligible to apply for the funding on the SDC website: www.stroud.gov.uk/REPF
Application forms and grant enquiries can be sent to economic.development@stroud.gov.uk.
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