Medway’s businesses and organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £20,000 to make a difference in their local communities.
In 2022, we wrote an Investment Plan and received £1.8million from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to invest in three key priority areas over a three-year period – community and place, supporting businesses, and people and skills.
During the first year (2022-2023), £225,000 was allocated to 17 projects to provide support to local businesses as well as projects which promoted and encouraged people to visit Medway. The projects included Medway Light Nights and the Intra Lateral Arts Festival. The council also used the funding to introduce free public WiFi in Rainham and Strood town centres.
We have now launched two grant schemes to support local community projects and local businesses.
Pride in Place Fund
Businesses, charities, voluntary organisations and higher and further education providers in Medway can apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the new Pride in Place Fund. The fund aims to enhance and support local community infrastructure projects, support and develop tourism campaigns, and help to build capacity for local community groups. Grants of £20,000 will be available in exceptional circumstances.
Feasibility Fund
Businesses can also apply for a £5,000 grant from the Feasibility Fund to conduct studies, research or develop business plans which could lead to further investment in projects across Medway. The projects must aim to encourage people to visit and explore Medway, support local community infrastructure projects or help to build capacity for local groups and communities.
The deadline for applications for both funds is 12noon on Monday, 26 June.
Launch event a success
Around 150 businesses and local organisations attended the launch of the grants at an event at The Rochester Corn Exchange on Thursday, 18 May. They also took part in an interactive session and shared their ideas and thoughts on key projects to help Medway’s town centres continue to thrive, including repurposing empty buildings, improving public realm works and holding more events.
Cllr Lauren Edwards, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, said: “Medway is a great place to live, work, learn and visit and we are incredibly proud of how vibrant and innovative Medway, as a place, is. We are delighted to launch the Pride in Place Fund and the Feasibility Fund which will both support local businesses and encourage our local communities to celebrate and promote Medway. I would encourage Medway’s businesses and organisations to find out more about these fantastic funding opportunities.”
Find out more information about the grant opportunities or apply today.