Rural Business Grant Scheme

We have launched the first round of the Rural Business Grant Scheme (RUBI). Funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, rural businesses can apply for capital grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 to invest in projects which make them more resilient and support growth.

Projects which support innovation or a transition to Net Zero will be prioritised for funding.

Project types

Eligible capital expenditure includes (these examples are not an exhaustive list):

• equipment or machinery suitable for commercial use
• infrastructure improvements, such as fitting out business premises, shops, pubs and cafes
• farm machinery
• commercial catering equipment
• items that provide new or additional accommodation for tourism operators

Apply

Further guidance (including eligibility criteria) and application form is available by emailing [email protected].

Round 1 is now closed to applicants. Round 2 will be launched later in 2023 and further details will be published here when available.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Last updated 23 August 2023