New grant scheme launched for rural businesses in Cumbria
Up to £49,999 available to support local growth and innovation
Rural micro and small businesses across Cumbria are set to benefit from a new grant scheme offering funding up to £49,999 to support growth, innovation, and economic resilience.
The Cumbria Rural Enterprise Grants scheme is being managed by the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland councils.
Funded by the UK Government through the Cumbria Capital Programme—a £10 million capital funding package—the grants aim to boost economic regeneration across the region.
Focus and application details
The grants will assist with purchasing new equipment and implementing small-scale capital improvements intended to help businesses grow, start up, diversify, innovate, and enhance productivity.
Open to all small and micro businesses within Cumbria, the focus will be primarily on rural areas.
Expressions of interest for the scheme open on 1st June, with a total of 65 grants anticipated, averaging around £15,000 each.
Grant aims and benefits
Key objectives of the grants include supporting businesses in overcoming challenges, enhancing productivity, and facilitating growth.
Additional aims involve job creation, support for new start-ups, encouraging business diversification, and attracting further investment.
Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm for delivering the fund:
“This grant fund comes at such a vital time for businesses, by providing up to 80 per cent match funding we know this fund will make such a huge difference."
Partners from Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Combined Authority echoed the importance of the grants for local businesses and their potential impact on the regional economy.
For more information on applying, visit Cumbria Growth Hub .