UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Cumbria Business Growth Hub

Cumbria Business Growth Hub has just launched three business grant schemes being delivered on behalf of Cumberland Council thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

• Revenue grants of up to £7,500 (50% match funding) are on offer to support work with a consultant of your choice in areas such as marketing, websites, accountancy, legal, planning, business continuity, succession planning, business growth, productivity, agricultural or other specialist advice. Also available are £500 advice vouchers for similar support which require no match from the business. Both of these grants are available to micro and small businesses throughout Cumberland.
• Capital grants up to a maximum of £100,000 (50% match funded) are available for purchase of equipment and capital improvements to help businesses grow, diversify, innovate and improve productivity. This is a competitive grant scheme with the first step being the submission of an Expression of Interest. These grants are available to micro and small businesses in most areas of Cumberland, excluding central Carlisle.
• Tourism grants up to a maximum of £20,000 (50% match funded) can support development and promotion (to both trade and consumers) of the visitor economy for activity such as development of local visitor experiences, local attractions and trails or tourism products more generally. This is a competitive grant scheme with the first step being submission of an Expression of Interest. These grants are available to micro and small businesses in most areas of Cumberland, excluding central Carlisle.

Applications for revenue grants and vouchers are being offered on a first come, first served basis (subject to meeting the grant criteria) until funds have been fully allocated.

Expressions of interest for the capital and tourism grants need to be submitted by 12noon on Monday 8 July to be considered at the first panel. Further opportunities may be available subject to availability of funding - see insert weblink for submission details.

All projects must be completed and grants claimed by 31 January 2025 at the latest.

Anyone interested in finding out more or applying can download the required registration, application and guidance notes from the Cumbria Growth Hub website. You can get further information and check eligibility by calling 0844 257 8450 or emailing info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.

Additional grants schemes are being managed for the council by external partners. Please watch our website and social media channels as these will be updated with more information, as available.