About the grant
We have developed this grant to support existing rural businesses and organisations. It is to help them purchase capital equipment so that they can respond to the challenging trading environment caused by Covid-19.
Due to unprecedented demand, we closed this funding scheme at noon on 9 March.
We may close the application window early if we receive grant requests exceeding the amount of funding available.
Businesses can apply for between £3,000 and up to £25,000 grant towards a maximum of 75% of the total project cost. You can add up to five expenditure items per grant application but the total grant cannot exceed £25,000.
Projects must be completed within 90 days of the award of funding.
We are particularly keen to support businesses that provide essential services benefiting their local community. This includes village shops, post offices, pubs and other retail.
Projects should achieve at least one of the following:
- diversification opportunities resulting in a new product or service
- adapting to Covid-19 challenges and needs
- becoming sustainable by updating physical infrastructure
- developing and expanding sustainable rural tourism offers
One application per business is allowed.
Businesses that make an overall profit once fund income is included are subject to tax.
If your project is ineligible for this scheme you may be able to access an alternative Lincolnshire County Council grant.
For the latest business support information, as a result of Covid-19, visit GOV.uk
What happens next?
Expressions of Interest will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
Forms will be assessed on eligibility and whether they meet the full criteria, offer good value for money, and meet the priorities of the grant.
The maximum value of grant funding will be ring-fenced for each successful application who will then be invited to complete an application form.
Once all of the available funding is ring-fenced, any remaining applicants will be placed on a reserve list.
Successful businesses will then be emailed a longer application form and guidance information which will need to be completed and returned within 4 weeks.
At this stage you will need to provide a list of items that you wish to purchase along with:
- 2 quotes for each item up to £25,000 in value
- 3 quotes for each item more than £25,000 in value
At least one of your quotes for each item should be from a supplier based in Lincolnshire, or an explanation should be given as to why this is not the case.
On receipt of a Grant Funding Agreement signed by both parties, approved applications will receive 60% upfront payment of your total grant award.
The remaining 40% of funding will be paid once the proposed purchases have been made and evidence of purchase is provided through a formal grant claim.
It should be noted that only expenditure incurred after a project has been approved and contracted is eligible.
At all stages applicants will receive an email notification either that they have been successful or unsuccessful.
If an application does not progress, or does not require the maximum value of grant, the unused ring-fenced funding will be released to reserve list applicants.
Applicants on the reserve list will be contacted on a first come, first served basis if funding becomes available.
Our decision is final and there is no right of appeal.