New round of grant funding set to benefit Dorset businesses

Following the success of the first two rounds of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants, the final round is now open.

Businesses can apply for grants between £2,000 - £20,000, with eligible Start-ups able to apply for grants from £1,000 - £5,000.

In previous rounds, Dorset Council awarded over £670,000 across 65 business support grants. Projects included:

• Purchase of items such as a chiropractic bench, cheese vat, theatre sets, 3D printers, freeze-drying machine, and a bread oven.
• Expansions of businesses, such as a larger sawmill, welding workshop, and equipment for fitment of a new unit.
• New efficiencies and developments, including automation to increase apple harvesting and powder packing, website development and training, marketing campaigns, and e-commerce web sales.

Round 3 Details:

• Opening Date: 1st October 2024
• Closing Date: 17th November 2024

Grant Amounts:

• Businesses: £2,000 - £20,000 (capital or revenue)
• Start-ups: £1,000 - £5,000
• Expressions of interest welcome for larger grants by email to UKSPF team.

UKSPF/REPF aims to support business creation and expansion, boosting jobs through innovation, automation, growth, and productivity.

Eligibility:

• Businesses must be in the Dorset Council area and Defra UKREPF locality (check Defra’s Magic Map Application).
• Previous successful applicants can also apply for a new project grant (Low Carbon Dorset grant recipients are not eligible)
• All projects must be completed and claimed by 16th February 2025.

Application Process:

• Contact Dorset Council Grants - WSX Transformational Business Support for a reference number before applying online.
• Full details about the grant schemes, criteria, and eligibility are on the Dorset Council website.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:

“We are thrilled to have supported many businesses and community groups so far, and this round will provide more funding to even more organisations.

“We hope to inspire Dorset business owners to use this funding to benefit their operations. Visit our website for more information and, if your business qualifies, please apply as soon as you can. We look forward to reviewing the applications.”

For more details, visit Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund page or contact sharedprosperityfund@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk