Following the success of the first two rounds of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants, round three is NOW OPEN (from 1st October) and will close on 17th November 2024. These grants are for both community groups and organisations, together with local business grants.
Please Note: This will be the final round of the Shared Prosperity Grant.
- Community groups and organisations can apply for grants between £1,000 and £15,000.
- Local business grant awards are from £2,000 to £20,000 per business.
Community Groups and Organisations Grants
Dorset Council is keen to provide support for grassroots community-led development, supporting local groups to lead on what their community needs and wants. For example, community infrastructure; the facilities, structures and environment of a neighbourhood which contributes to the quality of life and overall safety and health of a community.
Examples of projects in round one included: Weatherproofing of a community theatre, the purchase of digital equipment for a cinema and youth academy and the improvement of pedestrian access to local recreation facilities.
Groups or organisations are required to provide at least 10% match funding (cash or in-kind match funding is acceptable).
Local Business Grants
Businesses can apply for grants towards digital technology and innovation, research and development, business growth and exports. Such as:
- Purchase new equipment; software development and implementation; adaptations; automation and robotics.
- Support with Intellectual Property (IP); patents; trademarks; designs; copyrights; or other options for protecting IP; capital funding for new machinery for new products; and development of new services or products.
- Grants to facilitate growth, promote innovation and increase productivity.
- Grants to facilitate and support businesses that either wish to start exporting or are already doing so.
Examples of projects in round one included: Modern and low emission back-up generator for a rural food business, digital and e-commerce solutions for improved market delivery and customer participation and machinery to expand business growth and employability.
Businesses must provide 100% match funding in cash and are required to undertake a diagnostic support with WSX Enterprise. Please contact WSX Enterprise for more details.
Apply here