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The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) offers grants of between £7,500 and £25,000 for capital projects, meaning long-lasting assets such as a building or equipment.
The grants aim to tackle some long-standing challenges that rural areas face, such as limited access to services, lower productivity and poor connectivity.
The goal is to help rural communities thrive by supporting local enterprises, improving social cohesion, and expanding what organisations can offer their communities.
To be eligible for a grant, business must have fewer than 250 employees, such as sole traders, limited companies, partnerships, community interest companies, co-ops, and more.
Community organisations such as charities, town and parish councils, and charitable community benefit societies can also apply.
Previous recipient Hamilton and Hodson Traditional Upholstery, based in Long Ashton, used its funding to convert an old pigsty into a new workshop, fabric showroom, teaching area and reception.
Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity, a rural organisation dedicated to education, wellbeing, and social prescribing, used its grant to build a fully equipped wood workshop, which now supports more than 120 people each week.
Applications close at noon on Friday 1 August. Find out more about who can apply on our website, or email business@n-somerset.gov.uk, putting REPF in the subject line.
Portishead businesses invited to share insights
Businesses in Portishead are invited to share their insights and have their say on how the Portishead Economic Development Fund is distributed.
We’ve launched the Portishead Business Survey and feedback received will directly shape how the fund - worth nearly £153,000 – is allocated.
This fund was created in response to the loss of commercial land at Severn Paper Mill and is aimed at supporting local business growth and start-ups through targeted grants.
The funding could be used to buy equipment, train staff, improve premises or invest in technology.
The survey is now open until Tuesday 1 July to anyone with a business interest in Portishead or Portbury.
Feedback will help us identify key local business needs, challenges, and growth opportunities.