Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has announced a significant funding boost for the county’s rural economy, with £453,000 secured from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for the 2025/26 financial year. This funding will be distributed through both community and business grants, continuing the council’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in rural areas.
Why the REPF Matters
The Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the Government’s levelling-up agenda, designed to provide targeted investment that strengthens rural economies and communities. With rural businesses often facing unique challenges — such as limited infrastructure, higher transport costs, and restricted access to finance — funding of this kind plays a vital role in helping them adapt, innovate, and thrive.
For Warwickshire, this latest round of investment ensures that the county can continue to build on the success of previous years, enabling rural communities to flourish while maintaining their distinct character.
Business Grants: What’s Available?
Of the total allocation, £200,000 has been ringfenced specifically for micro and small businesses within the rural areas of North Warwickshire Borough Council (NWBC) and Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SDC).
⚠️ Please note: REPF business grants are only available to certain industries that align with the fund’s national objectives. Applicants should carefully review the official guidance to confirm whether their sector is eligible before starting an application.
These grants are intended to support capital investment projects that can deliver long-term benefits for businesses and their local communities — from upgrading facilities and purchasing new equipment to improving sustainability and productivity.
Key Details at a Glance
- Funding available: £200,000 for rural business support.
- Eligible applicants: Micro and small businesses in NWBC and SDC rural areas.
- Application deadline: 23:59 on 15th September 2025.
- Project delivery: All projects must be delivered and claimed in arrears by 31st March 2026.
- Funding structure: The REPF will contribute towards eligible capital costs, with applicants required to provide match funding. The likely intervention rate is 40%.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation:
- Read the Guidance – Applicants must review the official Rural England Prosperity Fund Business Grant Guidance (PDF, 657KB) to confirm eligibility.
- Submit Eligibility Form – Complete and submit the REPF Business Grant Eligibility Form (MS Form).
- Full Application – If eligible, applicants will receive a link to complete the full online application.
- Delivery & Claiming – Projects must be completed and all claims submitted by 31st March 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the national REPF Prospectus for a broader understanding of the fund’s aims and priorities.
How Businesses Can Prepare
To give yourself the best chance of success, businesses should:
- Identify capital projects that align with REPF objectives (e.g., sustainability, innovation, rural job creation).
- Gather evidence of need and expected outcomes.
- Secure match funding arrangements early.
- Build a realistic delivery plan that meets the March 2026 deadline.
A Timely Opportunity
With growing pressures on rural businesses — from supply chain challenges to digital connectivity gaps — this funding provides a timely opportunity to invest in long-term resilience. Whether it’s adopting greener technologies, diversifying income streams, or modernising operations, the REPF offers local businesses the means to strengthen their foundations for the future.
As the September deadline approaches, rural businesses across North Warwickshire and Stratford-on-Avon are encouraged to seize this opportunity, ensuring they benefit from a fund designed to unlock rural potential and prosperity.
