Deadline: October 31, 2025
The Ashford Rural Investment Grant provides funding between £3,000 and £10,000 to support commercial projects in rural areas of Ashford Borough, focusing on creating start-up space for food and drink producers, hospitality or tourism businesses, and initiatives that tackle last-mile challenges while boosting rural visitor numbers.
The grant aims to support the creation and uptake of start-up space for food and drink producers, hospitality or tourism businesses, or businesses in sectors supporting these industries. It also aims to support projects that tackle the last-mile challenge and increase the number of visitors to rural hospitality or tourism destinations. The grant supports capital projects for business purposes, including the construction of new incubator space for food or drink production, repurposing vacant or underused commercial premises for local produce outlets, and establishing transport links between key hubs and rural visitor destinations. Works that require Planning Applications, such as Listed Building Consent or Advertising Consent, may also be supported.
Applicants must be commercial entities registered in Ashford Borough, including micro, small, and medium businesses, social enterprises, or Community Interest Companies (CIC). The commercial site must be within the designated Rural area defined under the Rural England Prosperity Fund by Defra, and businesses must demonstrate the need and expected benefits of the proposed works. Non-commercial entities may be considered if the proposal directly benefits commercial businesses.
Applicants are required to provide at least three fully costed quotes for works exceeding £3,123 (excluding VAT). Successful applicants receive grants covering 80% of costs (excluding VAT), with a minimum of £3,000 and a maximum of £10,000. In exceptional cases, higher grants may be awarded if justified. Evidence required includes ownership or consent documentation, funding availability for the applicant’s share, planning considerations, recent site photos, and details of previous grants.
Monitoring involves council discretion to inspect progress and reclaim funding if conditions are not met within a reasonable timeframe. Grants are paid only after conditions are satisfied, including obtaining necessary permissions. Applicants must comply with all relevant regulations, legislation, and Subsidy Control requirements. They must report quarterly on project progress and adhere to REPF and UKSPF marketing guidelines. Grant money must be repaid if assets are removed or not maintained within three years, or if works are undertaken without relevant permissions.
For more information, visit Ashford Borough Council.
