I would like to make you aware of something called the “Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)” – a Rural Grant Programme that aims to benefit businesses and community groups within Rural Areas.

Across Chelmsford, £400,000 is available from Government to deliver REPF projects across a two-year period. In 2023/24, £100,000 will be available, with the remaining £300,000 of the Fund

available in 2024/25. The Fund is to support capital projects that improve productivity and strengthen rural economies and communities. The Fund is aimed at both rural businesses and rural community groups.

You can now apply for funding of capital projects up to the value of £10,000. Applications should have 20% of match funding in place. Full eligibility criteria and further details can be found on the Chelmsford City Council website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/repf. The webpage contains a link and instructions for an eligibility map which details the areas within Chelmsford that are classed as ‘rural’ by Government for the purpose of this fund.

Application closing date for 2024/25 to be announced – visit the Chelmsford City website for updates.