Quarter of a million pounds in grant funding now available

The grants, which the council is funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), are open for eligible businesses or organisations and will remain open until 29 January 2024 or until the funding has been allocated.

£130,000 is available under the Town Centre Growth Fund to support the growth of retail and service businesses in the town centre and market, increase footfall or bring vacant shops back into use. Individual awards will be made up to the value of £10,000 for eligible businesses.

The Community Support Fund will support projects that reduce the burden of the cost of living, reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase take-up of energy efficiency measures. Examples of projects that would be eligible include establishing a school uniform bank, setting up a repair shop, or providing support with household items. Projects will be awarded to eligible not-for-profit constituted organisations up to the value of £10,000 each. The total grant funding available is £50,000.

The Sports Action Fund will support projects that increase participation of Rugby residents in sport and physical activity, especially through improving or expanding sports provision and developing new clubs or competitions. Totalling £50,000, projects will be awarded to eligible not-for-profit constituted organisations up to £5,000 each.

Funding for the grants was approved by councillors at the meeting of Council held on 25 October 2023, and has been overseen by the council’s Local Partnership Group. The Group includes Cllr Ian Picker, Cllr Neil Sandison and Cllr Louise Robinson who represent all three political parties at the council and has been supported by partner organisations including Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, the Federation of Small Businesses, WCAVA, Think Active and Rugby First as well as officers from across Rugby Borough Council.

Cllr Ian Picker, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Growth and Investment and Chair of the Local Partnership Group, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Funding allocated to the council is being used to support the town centre regeneration strategy and improve the vitality and sustainability of the town centre, along with providing welcome support for our residents.

“We have allocated £130,000 to support town centre businesses with clear plans for growth, and a combined £100,000 for sports and community organisations that can improve the lives of people throughout Rugby, whether that is through providing support with cutting bills or enabling new sporting activities to flourish.

“Together with our partners on the Local Partnership Group I am looking forward to seeing the applications that come forward so that we can get some great projects up and running as soon as possible.”

Drop-in sessions aimed at helping businesses and organisations to complete applications for funding will be held on the mornings of 6 December and 9 January. Full information on the grants, drop-ins and the application process, along with guidance for applicants, can be found at www.rugby.gov.uk/sharedprosperity.