Funding available for rural businesses and organisations

The Harborough Rural Business Grant Fund 2025/26, supported by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) offers capital grants between £5,000 and £20,000, with applicants required to contribute a minimum 25% match funding.

Grants must be used for capital investment such as equipment, infrastructure, or building improvements, and projects must take place within designated rural areas of the district, as outlined in the grant policy.

The council particularly welcomes applications from forward-thinking projects that will deliver lasting benefits to the local economy and community.

Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “Following the success of last year’s scheme, we are delighted to once again offer support through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. This is a great opportunity for rural enterprises and initiatives to innovate, diversify and grow. I encourage everyone eligible to explore what’s possible and apply.”

In 2024, over 30 grants were awarded across the district, including:

• Langton Brewery - developed a new brewing facility to expand production

• The Cherry Tree Freehouse and Ullesthorpe Pre-School - installed solar panels to reduce energy costs

• Windmill Farm Park - created an accessible rural play area to attract visitors

• Hallaton Church Restoration Trust - modernised infrastructure and exhibition space

• Knots n Tangles - launched a rural dog grooming academy

• Foxton Inclined Plane Trust - improved visitor facilities to support heritage tourism

• Urban Apothecary - invested in automation to boost production efficiency

These projects span a wide range of sectors including green technology, rural tourism, creative industries, farm diversification, and digital innovation illustrating the diverse opportunities the fund can support.

Full guidance and application details are available at: www.harborough.gov.uk/business-grants

For further details and support contact the Economic Development Team at: business@harborough.gov.uk

Applications close on 30 June 2025.

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which invests in communities and place, local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus