Money being distributed by Conservative-led East Sussex will be used to support a range of businesses, with a dedicated £500,000 pot for Wealden District and £300,000 for backing in Rother.
The scheme launches on Friday, January 12, and small and medium businesses can apply for financial support for projects including the purchase of equipment and machinery, adaptation of premises, the creation or expansion of rural leisure and tourism businesses and farm diversification outside of agriculture.
Conservative Leader of East Sussex County Council, Ketih Glazier, said of the move: “The Rural Prosperity Fund supports the aims of the Conservative government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme, providing funding for productivity enhancing capital projects for small businesses in our rural communities. Conservative-run East Sussex County Council are pleased to partner in delivering this support to Wealden & Rother.”
The aim will be to boost rural businesses by offering financial support to help them succeed and grow. The grants will also help to safeguard existing jobs in rural areas, as well as creating new ones. Businesses will be able to apply for funding to future-proof with the introduction of new technology, and support diversification projects.
Match-funded grants of between £2,500 and £50,000 will be available in communities with a population of under 30,000 and both councils are keen to see non-agricultural applications which will help businesses grow or diversify. The Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants Scheme is not open to those businesses located in Bexhill, Polegate or Stone Cross, as set by Government department Defra.
The fund closes on December 31, 2024, or when all funds are allocated. More information about the grant scheme and details of how to apply can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/business/support/grants/ruralbusinessgrants
The Rother and Wealden Rural Business Grants are funded through the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and are administered by Conservative-led East Sussex County Council.
This programme has received funding from the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and creates a rural top up fund to deliver the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Levelling Up objectives. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place and supporting local business.
