Local businesses could be eligible for rural grant funding

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at 15:21

An estimated 3,120 businesses in the district could be eligible.

Rural businesses in North West Leicestershire could benefit from over £350,000 in grant funding.

The grants will help small and medium-sized businesses in rural locations to fund investment projects that can demonstrate business growth, tourism and visitor economy development, invest in carbon reducing technology or farm diversification.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration at NWLDC, said: "This grant fund is great way for small and medium-sized businesses in North West Leicestershire to grow.

"North West Leicestershire is a predominantly rural district with a thriving rural economy – so we welcome applications from any eligible local business looking to expand and invest in its facilities."

A total of £351,818 is available in 2024, with businesses able to apply for a grant of between £1,000 and £25,000. Recipients will have to provide at least 50% match-funding alongside the grant.

Businesses employing fewer than 250 staff can use the funding to support capital projects, such as purchasing new equipment to:

Modernise farm tourism facilities such as accommodation, wedding venues and leisure facilities
Invest in energy efficiency or achieving zero carbon
Invest in business premises, new technology and innovation.

NWLDC has used guidance and eligibility criteria from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). DEFRA has defined areas of the district as rural. This definition excludes businesses in parts of Bardon, Coalville, Hugglescote, Thringstone and Whitwick.

An estimated 3,120 businesses in the district could be eligible for the fund.

For more information and to apply, visit nwleics.gov.uk/ruralgrant

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