Deadline: 30 June 2024
Apply now for the Rural Boost Grant that aims to facilitate projects in commercial premises in rural areas of the Ashford Borough for food and drink production businesses and those in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
This grant will support businesses to improve productivity, operational processes and support their viability and growth. Through this grant, Ashford Borough Council will support the purchase and installation of assets such as buildings or equipment that improves a business’ productivity and growth in the rural area. Examples of capital projects that the grant could support include:
- New commercial ovens for a rural bakery
- New signage or interpretation boards for a tourism venue
- Purchase and installation of new IT or epos equipment
This grant cannot be used in conjunction with the Ashford Rural Investment Grant. It can be used in conjunction with other financial support schemes available, subject to those other schemes allowing this, except any funding deriving from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Funding Information
- The minimum level of grant allowed under this scheme is £500 and the maximum level is £3,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant is a commercial entity registered in the Ashford Borough. This includes but is not limited to, micro, small and medium businesses.
- The subject commercial premises must be located within the designated Rural area. Where the site or the wider land crosses across the designated area the Council reserves the right to assess these on a case-by-case basis.
- The business can demonstrate the need and the expected benefits of the works proposed.
- Only capital projects for business purposes are eligible.
- Applications from non-profits or voluntary organisations may be considered subject to the proposal clearly benefitting commercial businesses directly.
For more information, visit Ashford Borough Council.
