Dorset Council is excited to announce the opening of Round 3 for SME business grants under the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This final round, running until 17th November 2024, aims to support micro and SME rural businesses through capital grants for small-scale investments in projects that foster innovation, automation, development, and enhanced productivity.
Funding Purpose: The REPF is dedicated to the creation and expansion of businesses, helping to create jobs and boost community cohesion. Grants are available for projects that support local economic development, business diversification, and the green economy.
Eligibility: Businesses must be located within the Dorset Council geographical area and the Defra UKREPF locality. Eligible applicants include medium, micro, or small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover under £8.5 million. Additionally, businesses must not have received more than £315,000 in subsidies over the past three years.
Grant Details:
Eligible Projects: Grants can be used for a variety of projects, including:
- Local economy development
- Business diversification outside of agriculture
- Plant and machinery growth
- Building conversions for economic development
- Equipment for food processing and packaging
- Development and modernisation of kitchen equipment.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:
“We are thrilled to have supported many businesses and community groups so far, and this round will provide more funding to even more organisations.
“We hope to inspire Dorset business owners to use this funding to benefit their operations. Visit our website for more information and, if your business qualifies, please apply as soon as you can. We look forward to reviewing the applications.”
Submission Requirements: Projects will be evaluated based on their economic, environmental, and social benefits, and must demonstrate value for money and contributions to local economy, Net Zero, and nature recovery objectives.
Expected Outcomes: The REPF aims to support numerous rural businesses and farm businesses, create and safeguard jobs, and encourage the adoption of new technologies and processes.
Exclusions: Projects that have received funding from other Defra schemes, such as the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, the Farming Investment Fund, and the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund, are not eligible.
The UKREPF is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information on Round 3 and details of previous grant awards, please visit the Dorset Council website.
