The Rural Business Grants Programme supported businesses around the district to invest in projects that strengthen local economies, improve productivity and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
By working closely with local businesses and understanding the opportunities and challenges facing rural economies, the programme helped direct investment where it could make the greatest difference.
Funding was provided through the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The programme was established to support small and medium-sized rural businesses across the Rother and Wealden districts, helping them grow, improve productivity and create local employment opportunities. Grants could cover up to 50% of eligible capital project costs, enabling businesses to invest in their future and strengthen the rural economy.
The programme was funded by the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The first funding round ran from 2023–2025, followed by a second round in 2025–2026.
The Rural Business Grants Programme was designed to strengthen rural businesses by supporting investment that could drive growth, improve productivity and create or safeguard local employment.
The programme aimed to help businesses become more resilient, competitive and sustainable, while contributing to the wider rural economy.
Funded projects were required to demonstrate how they would contribute to one or more key outcomes, including:
For larger grant awards, applicants were expected to demonstrate a clear link between their proposed investment, business growth and job creation.
This helped ensure that significant public funding delivered meaningful economic impact, supporting thriving rural businesses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the local economy.
Funding has allowed them to invest in an electric vehicle, to provide a convenient drop-off and collection service for customers. With a total project cost of £18,500, the business received £9,099.50 in grant funding towards the investment.
The new electric vehicle has improved the customer experience, expanded the business’s service reach and reduced the environmental impact of its operations. The investment has also supported business growth, creating one new part-time job and increasing the capacity of the service.
Funding has supported them to invest in solar panels for their office and workshop, alongside a new hydraulic piling hammer.
The improvements have reduced the company’s carbon footprint while enabling key operations to be brought in-house, reducing reliance on subcontractors and improving efficiency.
With a total project cost of £85,975, the business received £33,037.50 in grant funding. It has also created one new full-time job, delivering a positive benefit for the local economy.
Funding has supported them to invest in new equipment, including a liquid filling machine, bottle-labelling machine, conveyor system, feeding tables and an electric forklift. This investment has enabled the business to introduce a new product line, while improving efficiency and logistics within its warehouse.
With a total project cost of £114,184.05, the business received £35,000 in grant funding. As a result of the project, the business anticipates creating 10 new full-time jobs.
The Rural Business Grant Programme has delivered significant economic benefits across rural areas, supporting businesses to invest, grow and create employment.
Between 2023–2025, £500,000 was made available through small and large grant schemes. The programme supported 30 businesses, awarding £548,932 in grants towards projects worth over £1 million. This investment contributed to 42 new jobs and safeguarded a further 20, while 19 businesses introduced new technologies or processes and 19 projects delivered net zero or low-carbon outcomes.
A further £200,000 was allocated in 2025–2026, supporting 16 businesses with £166,968 in grants towards projects worth over £400,000. To date, this investment has created 15.5 jobs, with further benefits expected as businesses continue to grow.
Across both funding rounds, the programme has helped businesses improve productivity, adopt new technologies, expand their operations and strengthen their resilience. By leveraging public funding to support wider business investment, the grants have generated substantial economic activity and contributed to sustainable growth, employment and innovation across the local rural economy.