Capital grants available to support the rural areas in West Norfolk
- By Elaine Bird
- 07 June 2023
- West Norfolk
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Two drop-in sessions for those wanting to find out more about the West Norfolk Rural Communities and Business Capital Grants will be held in Hunstanton and Downham Market.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has been successful in securing £1,496,455 from the Rural England Prosperity Funding (administered via DEFRA). The fund is divided into two parts, one for communities and one for businesses.
Jemma Curtis, Regeneration Programmes Manager, said: “This fund aims to support the provision of resilient local services and help communities to address the challenges of rural isolation, as well as supporting social cohesion and local pride.
“For communities, it’s a chance to bring forward some innovative projects that will make a difference to people who may face additional barriers to accessing services and opportunities.
“For businesses, it’s an opportunity to enhance or expand in a way that contributes to the local economy.”
Image credit: BCKLWN website
West Norfolk Rural Communities Capital Grants
Projects should have the overarching objective of providing resilient community services and assets for local people to benefit the local economy, to address the challenges of rural isolation, support social cohesion and boost local pride and funding will be available in two funding rounds – Year 1 (2023-24) and Year 2 (2024-25).
Aimed at the rural areas in the borough and for capital projects only, investment will be targeted towards projects that improve local pride, support the wellbeing of rural communities, improve connectivity between areas, reduce social isolation and improve access to services and facilities.
This scheme will be launched on 12 June and will close on 2 August. The grant is being delivered by Norfolk Community Foundation on behalf of the Borough Council.
For more information about the fund, eligibility and how to apply, please visit: www.norfolkfoundation.com/fund...
West Norfolk Rural Business Capital Grants
This scheme will be for 50% of eligible capital costs and will be launched on 19 June. There is a limited pot of funding available to support projects and grant applications will be considered on “first-come, first-served” basis. It is being delivered by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (New Anglia LEP) on behalf of the Borough Council and businesses can apply for grants between £10,000 and £100,000.
Grants are available for micro and small enterprises in rural areas: this grant pot provides capital funding opportunities to support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy and for the development and promotion of the visitor economy: these grants are aimed at developing local attractions, trails and tourism products more generally.
Businesses wishing to apply for support should first contact the New Anglia Growth Hub on www.newanglia.co.uk/contact-us..
Representatives from the Borough Council’s regeneration and planning departments will be present alongside Norfolk Community Foundation, New Anglia Growth Hub and MENTA Business Support to answer your questions, and provide information, advice and guidance which may help in the development of projects and/or business. These will be held on:
Tuesday 20th June 10am-2pm at Downham Market Town Hall
Thursday 22nd June 10am-2pm at Hunstanton Town Hall