Funding for Test Valley communities and businesses secured
The funding will support new and existing enterprises and local groups
Half a million pounds has been awarded to the Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to support rural communities and businesses.
The cash comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund which supports the ambitions of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme.
Capital grants of between £3k and £20k are on offer to projects supporting the development of community facilities, rural green space, local art and heritage, as well as essential services for local people.
Businesses can apply for a capital grant too, ranging from £5,000 to £25,000, and are available to existing and new rural enterprises. The grants will be used to develop new products, services and equipment that can benefit the local economy. This includes farms seeking to diversify or company's needing new equipment to grow.
Councillor Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for Climate Emergency and Countryside, said: “The REPF is a great addition to the range of grants we have available to support our businesses. We have a large rural community in the borough and this funding will really help businesses in those areas to grow, invest and become more productive.”
Community and Leisure portfolio holder councillor, Terese Swain, said: “It is fantastic news that we have been awarded the funding to help our rural communities to thrive. These grants will support local organisations to provide services and facilities that will hugely benefit the local community.”