Cheshire East Council are actively promoting three grants which could benefit your organisation or company in Macclesfield.

Just announced today is the The Rural Business Capital Grant Scheme, which offers grants from £1,000 to £10,000 and can be used for small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas of the borough. 

The scheme is funded by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Eligible uses for the grant include, but are not limited to: 

• The creation, improvement and expansion of rural leisure, hospitality, and tourism businesses;
• Purchase of equipment for food processing;
• Modernising existing equipment for increased energy efficiency or increased productivity through automation; and
• Funding for resilience infrastructure and nature-based solutions that protect local businesses.

Also announced today is the Cheshire East Visitor Economy Grant scheme, which also offers grants from £1,000 up to a maximum of £10,000 per eligible business for the development and promotion of the visitor economy. The fund is intended to be used to enhance Cheshire East's rural visitor economy and rural leisure opportunities. Eligible uses for the grant include but are not limited to:

• Developing local attractions;
• Trails and visitor infrastructure;
• Developing visitor experiences; and
• Tours and tourism products more generally

The applications process is straightforward via an online application form, and full details of both schemes can be found by visiting the council's website at: Support Packages and Services (cheshireeast.gov.uk).

The eligibility criteria for both schemes is the same, and is as follows:

• Only businesses and organisations trading from a property based in the Cheshire East Council rural classification can apply for a grant;
• Expenditure that occurs after the 1 April 2023 will be eligible; and
• Businesses must hold a business bank account.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, said: "The funding for these two schemes is a welcome benefit to our rural economy, which is of course vital to our borough. 

"We are well positioned to support any of our local businesses that could benefit from either of these schemes and I would urge anyone that feels that they may benefit from UKSPF funding to check through the criteria and then contact the council. We will be very happy to help." 

If the two above grants aren't suitable for your establishment, Cheshire East Council is also inviting voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations, town and parish councils and community buildings to apply for the Improved, Greener Community Facilities Fund.

Cheshire East Council said in a statement: "Are you a community building who wishes to make your building more energy efficient to help with energy bills, does your community facility require refurbishment, require a new kitchen, improve a footpath or the installation of EV charging points? Or do you simply wish to save wildlife and plant some trees. This fund can help bring your ideas to life!

"The Rural England prosperity fund has been created for councils to deliver as part of the government's levelling-up programme."

Grants are currently available to improve community facilities and buildings, energy efficiency and save carbon through the Improved, Greener Community Facilities Fund, funded by the UK Rural and Shared England Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council environment and communities committee chair, said: "Our communities are at the heart of Cheshire East, and we're committed to making them warmer, greener, and more welcoming for everyone. 

"This new fund will empower local groups to transform their buildings into sustainable hubs of activity, reducing energy bills and supporting a healthier environment."

Organisations from anywhere in the borough can apply for 75% of projects costs up to a maximum of £15,000. Applications will be considered from organisations for local projects, meeting the fund objectives and criteria.

For more information about the fund criteria, an extended list of funding examples and application form view the council's Improved, Greener Community Facilities Fund supporting document.

The council is also holding an in-person event for faith sector organisations on Wednesday 17 January at the Caritas Centre, 65 Delamere Street, Crewe CW1 2JX from 10am until 12 noon. Reserve a place by signing up here.

The deadline for this eco-inspired fund applications is 19 February 2024.