The Rural England Prosperity Fund

The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants are funded by both North Devon Council and Torridge District Council through the central government's wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKPSF) as part of the levelling up agenda.

The Rural Fund is integrated into the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which supports productivity and prosperity in places that need it most. It supports activities that specifically address the particular challenges rural areas face.

Eligible local businesses will be able to apply for grants under three key investment priorities, therefore, your project must be a fit for one of the following:

1.1a). Funding for net zero infrastructure: Capital funding for net zero infrastructure for rural businesses e.g., energy-saving equipment, energy efficiency measures and or processes (excludes electrical vehicle charging points)

1.1b). Diversification of farm businesses outside of agriculture: Capital funding for the diversification of farm businesses outside of agriculture to encourage, expansion, or scale-up of these businesses where this involves converting farm buildings into other commercial or business uses

1.2). Growing the local social economy and supporting innovation: Funding (capital grants) for growing the local social economy and supporting innovation

Please note: This investment priority is only for: Community businesses or social enterprises (Please see the Application guidance for more details).

 1.3). Developing and promoting the visitor economy: Funding (capital grants) for the development and promotion (both trade and consumer) of the visitor economy, such as:

• local attractions
• trails
• tourism products more generally

There will be a requirement for all applicants to be able to provide match funding of 10-20% depending on the total value of the items. It may help your application score if you can offer above the compulsory match requirements.

Eligibility requirements

The scheme is for small and micro businesses, with up to 50 employees with a turnover of less than £10 million.