22nd September 2023

Rural England Prosperity Fund

Chelmsford City Council's Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is open for applications, but closes shortly! The Fund offers businesses and community groups in rural locations a grant, which does not need to be repaid, of up to £10,000 to be spent on capital projects that improve productivity and strengthen rural economies and communities.

The funding is for rural areas only, so not all locations within the Chelmsford local authority area will be eligible. However, the definition of what is 'rural' is quite broad and generally excludes the areas closest to the city centre and South Woodham Ferrers.  

Specifically the fund will:

1. Support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will benefit the local economy.  

2. Support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.

Eligibility criteria apply and applications must have at least 20% of match funding in place. The application deadline for 23/24 funding is 11.59pm on Friday 29th September 2023.

Upcoming training and events

Ambitious Young People in Business event at Patch Chelmsford 26th September 1pm-4pm.

Learn more about the Government's  Help To Grow Management Course in this free webinar 12pm-1pm on 12th October.

Networking Essex Chelmsford meetings on 19th October, 16th November, and 14th December 12-2pm at Writtle University College.

If you have a business event or free training that you would like us to share, please email details to our Economic Development Team.