The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) worked to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
UKSPF was extended to 31 March 2026. The fund proactively supported delivery of the government’s five national missions with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth, promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK and boost community cohesion.
Dorset Allocation
Dorset Council was allocated £1,451,159 of both capital and revenue funding. In addition a further £619,966 was made available under the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Both funds supported the three priority areas of
- Communities & Place
- Support for Local Business
- People & Skills
Main delivery occurred in the following areas:
- Local business and Upskilling grants
- Business Events, support and advice – partnered by SBA CIC
- Communities & Place. Delivery through a mixture of programmes including grants
- Healthy Homes Programme – partnered by Ridgewater Energy
- Capital community grants
- Start-up programme and grants – partnered by Evolve
- Weymouth Digital Skills Hub
- Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) – SME business and Low Carbon grants
See the full list of awards made in 2025-26.
Further information
There is currently no further funding available. To stay aware of future opportunities and business support you can subscribe to the Dorset business newsletter and receive further updates on new opportunities across Dorset.
We also offer more business support, funding and advice if you need it.
Supporting information and national guidance:
UKSPF prospectus for 2025 to 2026
UKSPF technical note for 2025 to 2026
UKSPF 2025 to 2026 Grants Scheme Document
