Dorset Council has announced the launch of Round 3 for SME business grants under the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This final round, open until 17th November 2024, aims to support rural businesses through capital grants focused on innovation, automation, development, and improved productivity.
The REPF is committed to aiding the expansion of businesses, boosting job opportunities, and enhancing community cohesion. Grants are available for projects that support local economic growth, business diversification, and green initiatives.
Who Can Apply:
Medium, small and micro-businesses located within the Dorset Council area and the Defra UKREPF locality. Businesses must have fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover under £8.5m. Applicants should not have received more than £315,000 in subsidies over the last three years.
Grant Details:
Capital grants between £2,000 and £20,000 with 100% match funding required.
Grants can be used for projects such as local economic development, business diversification outside agriculture, plant and machinery upgrades, building conversions and packaging equipment.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for property & assets and economic growth, says, ‘We hope to inspire Dorset business owners to use this funding for their operations.’
Application and Evaluation:
Projects will be evaluated based on their economic, environmental and social benefits, including contributions to the local economy, Net Zero goals, and nature recovery objectives.
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 for this round.
For more information on Round 3 and previous grant awards, visit the Dorset Council website.
