New funding has been made available to small businesses and organisations in the Stroud district, with a view to boosting the local economy and communities.
Stroud District Council has been allocated a further £120,261 from the UK government's Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) this May 2025, to distribute to businesses and organisations in rural parts of the district.
Applications are now being invited from small businesses across all sectors, community groups, charities and town and parish councils, with grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 with 60 per cent match funding; or £5,000 and £10,000 with no match funding.
Projects that will be considered include those aimed at supporting micro and small enterprises; growing the local social economy; enhancing the visitor economy; promoting arts and culture; strengthening community infrastructure; advancing rural circular economy initiatives; supporting impactful volunteering and social action; improving digital infrastructure for community facilities; creating or enhancing rural green spaces; and promoting active travel in local areas.
There's also a further £40,000 available to those anywhere in the district from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
It follows two successful years of the fund in Stroud, with more than 40 projects having been supported to date.
Andrew Cummings, the council's deputy chief executive said: 'Previous rounds of REPF funding have had a real and lasting impact on rural businesses and community organisations across the Stroud district.
'From funding new cycle storage at Horsley village shop, to solar panels at Teckels Animal Sanctuary and supporting a white goods recycling initiative at Gloucestershire House Clearances in Chalford – these projects are great examples of how targeted investment can strengthen our local economy and communities.
I encourage all eligible organisations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to bring their ideas to life and contribute to our thriving, resilient rural district.'
The funding will be distributed in two rounds, with application deadlines on Monday 23 June 2025 for round one and Friday 12 September 2025 for round two.
More information including how to apply can be found on the council's website.
