Cumberland Council is pleased to announce further funding support for the local economy.
Funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). Details of how to apply can be found at www.cumberland.gov.uk/UKSPF
The funding has meant that Cumberland Council is able to extend their successful shop front grants programme which sees improvements to commercial properties within town and city centres across Cumberland.
An additional £105,000 is being made available for 2025-26.
This will be the third year Cumberland Council has made capital funding available for this type of grant which brings pride back into our town centres and high streets. So far, more than 100 premises have been upgraded, and 11 vacant units have been brought back into use.
Previous grant recipients have transformed their commercial premises, such as 16 King Street, Whitehaven and 121 Senhouse Street, Maryport.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“The previous grants have proved to be a great success, and we urge businesses to apply for the funding.
“If you have a commercial high street or town centre property which would benefit from a new look and meets the call criteria, please do get in touch. More information on the fund, guidance notes and how to submit applications is available on our website.”
The grants are available for projects that demonstrate alignment and deliverability against the criteria.
Cumberland Council is also working with the Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Enterprising Cumbria to offer grants and business support across Cumberland.
With £200,000 UKSPF and £400,000 REPF funding being made available, Cumbria Business Growth Hub is again able to offer both business advice and grant funding to small/micro and medium sized businesses.
Capital grants are available for:
Equipment/improvements to productivity.
Works to improve business premises.
Improvements to tourism heritage assets.
Support for farm diversification projects.
Revenue funding will provide vouchers to secure specialist consultants of your choice and the business adviser team will be available for one-to-one support alongside a range of workshops and programmes aimed at business survival. Working with the Farmers Network additional workshops will also be available to agricultural businesses.
Contact info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk for more information.
Through a further £200,000 revenue funding, Enterprising Cumbria is able to expand their Accelerator programme across Cumberland to offer:
- Free tailored business support for start-ups and existing businesses.
- Intensive one to one innovation support to help businesses with real growth potential.
- Pre-Start activity to assist individuals looking at starting their own business with potential financial support to help towards their business launch.
Contact lucy.johnson@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk for more information.