£1.2m for Small Businesses and Community Groups to Grow the Rural Economy

Published on: 26 Oct, 2023
Updated on: 28 Oct, 2023

Grants of up to £50,000 are now available to fund projects that will have a positive impact on businesses and communities in the rural areas of Guildford, Waverley and Tandridge.

Active businesses, charities and community groups in these areas can apply for up to 50 per cent of capital costs for projects which create jobs or grow the local rural economy such as farm diversification, food and drink produce, business development, community cafés and shops. Applications can be made at www.surreycc.gov.uk/ruralprosperity.

Cllr Marisa Heath

Cllr Marisa Heath (Con), Cabinet member for Environment at Surrey County Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to deliver this funding on behalf of the district and borough councils in these areas, which will benefit small businesses, charities, and community groups, helping to create jobs and grow our rural economy.

“We’re looking forward to supporting a range of projects and programmes that will enhance productivity and our rural communities, and I encourage all eligible businesses and groups to sign up.”

Cllr Tom Hunt

Guildford Borough Council’s Tom Hunt (Lib Dem, St Nicolas), lead councillor for Regeneration, said: “This is a great opportunity to boost economic growth in our rural areas. I’m really pleased we’re able to offer some support to the rural economy in Guildford through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. I’d urge all those who are eligible to apply to do so.”

The Rural Prosperity Fund is provided via Tandridge, Guildford and Waverley district and borough councils, by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to support the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme.