New funding for rural businesses and communities

Published: Tuesday, 4th July 2023

Rural businesses and communities can now apply to the West Kent Rural Grants scheme, funded by the Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

Grants ranging from £2,000 to £25,000 will support rural jobs and improve local facilities. They are capital only, match funding is required and other terms and conditions apply.

Applications will be open from Tuesday 4 July until midnight on Tuesday 15 August 2023.

Cllr Lesley Dyball, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places says: “We are very excited to have secured Government funding to support our rural businesses and communities. This new source of money will help them grow sustainably, create new jobs and improve community facilities. The window to apply is only open for a few weeks so I would urge anyone interested to get their applications in as soon as possible.”

Cllr Robin Betts, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Regeneration and Property at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council adds: “We are delighted to be able to announce that the West Kent Rural Grant Scheme is now up and running. We really hope people make good use of this fantastic opportunity to apply for funding which will help support and progress many of our amazing rural businesses and communities and have a positive impact on the local area.”

To find out more about the scheme and to make an application, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/WestKentRuralGrants.

Locally, the Rural England Prosperity Fund is being administered by the West Kent Partnership, consisting of Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.