Introduction
Somerset County Council is investing £6m in supporting Somerset’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
While restrictions have now eased many are still struggling to recover and re-establish themselves. This funding will target those businesses, organisations and communities most in need.
There are various strands of funding and are due to be launched in August 2021. Details of each of the programmes and how to apply will be posted on this page. Please visit this page regularly for further updates.
Rural Renaissance Rural Services Grants
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many rural communities in Somerset. To help businesses build back to their pre-Covid levels, we are launching a Rural Services Grant Fund as part of our Economic Recovery package.
Grants of up to £5,000 (80% of project costs) are now available to assist service businesses in rural areas to help them move forward and become more sustainable. A business will need to provide 20% of their own match funding.
The grant can be used for items that will help a business provide further services or enhance their trading – for example an online sales platform or to increase trading space. You will need to demonstrate how your business has been affected by the pandemic and how this grant will help.
The application process is open to:
- Sole Traders providing rural services
- Businesses providing rural services
- Town and Parish Councils
- Local Community led organisations operating on a not-for-profit basis and are legally constituted
The fund will launch on 26 August 2021 and will close at 5pm on 10 September 2021. Initial applications will be treated on a first come, first served basis but we will need time to check eligibility and respond. To apply you will need to complete an Expression of Interest form and email it to RRGrants@somerset.gov.uk
Once your Expression of Interest has been reviewed, if the work is eligible and appropriate, you will be invited to submit a Full Application. This will then require three quotes.
If you need more information, please email your query to RRGrants@somerset.gov.uk
Somerset Business Restart and Recovery Grant Fund
Applications are now closed
Grants of up to £50k are available to support the restart and recovery of anchor businesses and organisations, including the visitor economy in Somerset. We are particularly looking to support those businesses and organisations that ‘slipped through the net’ of previous Government COVID Support packages.
Please read these detailed Guidance Notes to see if you are eligible to make an application.
Once you have read the guidance notes you can request an Application Form or send any queries to: restartgrant@somerset.gov.uk
The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on 3 September 2021