A grant programme has been launched by Bedford Borough Council to help improve productivity, connectitive and boost prosperity in the Borough’s rural aress.
The rural grant programme is open for applications from both businesses and community groups located in an eligible rural area with a maximum request of £20,000.
Funding for these schemes has been made available from Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) through UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The grant will support activities that specifically address challenges rural areas face including:
- visitor economy
- active travel enhancements
- diversification of farm business outside of agricaulre to encourage start-up
- expansin or scale-up of these businesses wihere this involves concerting farm buildings into other commerical or business uses
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to have been allocated Rural England Prosperity Funding to support productivity and prosperity across our rural communities. In total we have secured a fantastic £2.25m to support economic growth within Bedford Borough.
“Our local grants, totalling £550,000 I hope can fund an endless list of capital improvements; please get in touch with the team to find out more about the application process.”
To find out more and begin an application, visit the UKSPF section of the council’s website here.
“Any rural business or organisation with legal status can apply for a grant, including Parish Councils, voluntary organisations and registered charities. Grants must be for business and community purposes.”
