West Norfolk Council using £3million of Government funding to support businesses and community groups
More than £3million to support West Norfolk businesses “fulfil their potential” is set to be made available.
The borough council is delivering the project, which will utilise the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, on behalf of the Government - and applications will open soon.
The targeted funding over the next two years aims to support projects that “build pride in place, develop skills, enhance employment opportunities, increase productivity or improve community services”.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund looks to invest in the potential to make positive changes around the borough. Applications will open at the end of February for capital and/or revenue funding of £500-£10,000 in three main areas:
- Innovation in the arts, cultural, heritage and creative sector
- Enhancements to the character and vibrancy of town centres
- Sustainable development of the borough’s year-round visitor offer
The fund will accept applications from the public and private sector and from businesses and organisations of any size.
Cllr Graham Middleton, the borough council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for business, culture and heritage, said: “West Norfolk is a wonderful borough that is full of opportunities - and I’m delighted cabinet approved the priorities for how this funding will be allocated to help our people, places and businesses to fulfil their potential.
“Between these two funds there is enormous variety to the types of projects and sectors that can be supported so this presents a chance for people with good ideas to get funding for their schemes.”
Rural England Prosperity Funding aims to provide capital investment for new and existing rural businesses to develop products and facilities, or to support new and improved community infrastructure that will benefit the economy.
Approval is awaited from Government but it is anticipated this will open for applications in the spring.
It will also support rural communities through the likes of active travel enhancements - such as by improving footpaths and cycleways - and supporting volunteering and social action projects.
The council has agreed to focus the funding on projects such as:
- Guildhall & Creative Hub Activity Programme
- Volunteering recruitment and training
- Community energy saving scheme