Cumbria Business Growth Hub has launched three business grant schemes being delivered on behalf of Cumberland Council thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund. 

Revenue grants of up to £7,500 (50% match funding) are on offer to support work with a consultant of your choice in areas such as marketing, websites, accountancy, legal, planning, business continuity, succession planning, business growth, productivity, agricultural or other specialist advice. Also available are £500 advice vouchers for similar support which require no match from the business. Both of these grants are available to micro and small businesses throughout Cumberland. 

Capital grants up to a maximum of £100,000 (50% match funded) are available for purchase of equipment and capital improvements to help businesses grow, diversify, innovate and improve productivity. This is a competitive grant scheme with the first step being the submission of an Expression of Interest. These grants are available to micro and small businesses in most areas of Cumberland, excluding central Carlisle. 

Tourism grants up to a maximum of £20,000 (50% match funded) can support development and promotion (to both trade and consumers) of the visitor economy for activity such as development of local visitor experiences, local attractions and trails or tourism products more generally. This is a competitive grant scheme with the first step being the submission of an Expression of Interest. These grants are available to micro and small businesses in most areas of Cumberland, excluding central Carlisle. 

Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support is managing the grant schemes, “We’re delighted to be able to offer much needed funding to businesses in the Cumberland area. Already successfully delivering the Rural England Prosperity Fund in Westmorland & Furness we’re now able to extend support to tourism businesses and administer revenue funding which has been lacking for some time now. We’re expecting to receive a high volume of applications and expressions of interest and we’ll support as many businesses as we can with the funding available.” 

Applications for revenue grants and vouchers are being offered on a first come, first served basis (subject to meeting the grant criteria) until funds have been fully allocated. 

Expressions of interest for the capital and tourism grants are currently closed. Further opportunities may be available subject to availability of funding – see Cumberland UK SPF – Cumbria Growth Hub for submission deadlines. 

All projects must be completed and grants claimed by 31st January 2025. 

Anyone interested in finding out more or applying can download the required registration, application and guidance notes from Cumberland UK SPF – Cumbria Growth Hub. You can get further information and check eligibility by calling 0844 257 8450 or emailing info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.