In September 2022, the government launched the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The fund acknowledges the unique challenges that rural areas often encounter, such as lower productivity, inadequate connectivity, and limited access to essential services.

CCC was awarded £532,195 to spend between 2023 and 2025 on interventions in rural areas to provide capital support to promote growth and diversification. Approximately £372,500 has been allocated to support rural businesses and around £160,000 to enhance rural community infrastructure and strengthen rural communities.

Broadly, the funding can support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy as well as new and improved community infrastructure, providing services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.

Expressions of Interest for Large Grants for the Rural England Prosperity Fund must be sent to REPF.Applications@colchester.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 17 July 2023.  The small grant application window is open until 5pm on Monday 14 August 2023.

More information is available here – Apply for funding to support rural business and community projects | Colchester City Council and full paperwork for applications can be found here – Applying for a grant  · Colchester City Council

If you have any questions please contact REPF.Applications@colchester.gov.uk