Following the success of the inaugural round, Colchester City Council is pleased to announce the launch of Round 2 of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant scheme. With £132,521 remaining from the initial allocation, the council is once again calling for applications from both businesses and community groups in rural areas of Colchester.
In April 2023, Colchester was awarded £532,195 by the REPF, part of the government's Levelling Up Fund. This crucial funding supported numerous projects across the city's rural communities, promoting business growth, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering a thriving rural economy.
Applications for Round 2 open at 12pm on Monday, 22 January 2024. Grants are available for both business and community projects, with minimum and maximum amounts of £5,000 and £70,000 respectively. Only capital funding is offered, requiring applicants to have secured any necessary revenue funding for their projects through other sources.
The council is particularly interested in projects aligning with the following REPF interventions:
For Businesses: Small-scale investment in micro and small enterprises, driving local economic growth and diversification.
For Communities: Investment and support for digital infrastructure in local community facilities, empowering residents and bridging the digital divide. Capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups, strengthening social connections and resilience.
Projects must demonstrate a clear path to delivering desired outcomes by March 2025. Applications prioritising sustainability and long-term impact will be highly favoured.
To apply and access all necessary forms and supporting materials (including instructions on checking eligibility of the project’s location), please visit www.colchester.gov.uk/levelling-up/apply-for-a-grant
Cllr Alison Jay, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Transformation and Performance, said: “We are committed to ensuring that our rural communities and our rural economy benefit from the Levelling Up agenda and are pleased to launch Round 2 of the REPF grant scheme, building on the positive impact of the initial funding.
“This additional support will further empower our rural communities to thrive, boosting economic growth, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering a vibrant and connected countryside.
“Don't miss this opportunity to secure vital funding for your rural business or community project. Apply now and help us build a brighter future for Colchester's rural communities!”
Page last reviewed: 19 January 2024