Published: Monday, 16th June 2025
Businesses and communities in rural areas can once again apply to the West Kent Rural Grants scheme.
Grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 are available to support economic growth initiatives and community, heritage, and tourism facilities. The grants are for capital expenditure only and match funding is required. Other terms and conditions apply.
Applications opened today (Monday 16 June 2025). The scheme will close once the funds have been allocated.
To find out more about the scheme and to make an application, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/westkentruralgrants.
Cllr Lesley Dyball, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places, says: “We’re really excited to have secured further Government funding to support businesses and communities in rural areas.
“To date, West Kent Rural Grants have helped 34 Sevenoaks District businesses and community organisations grow sustainably, create new jobs, and improve community facilities.
“The scheme will close once all the funds have been allocated, so I would urge businesses and community groups to apply as soon as possible.”
Cllr Robin Betts, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy, adds: “We are delighted to have secured more funding from Government to deliver more rounds of this popular scheme in partnership with Sevenoaks District Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
“To date we have supported 35 Tonbridge and Malling businesses and community groups, covering a range of capital investments including new equipment to support business growth, building upgrades, improvements to green spaces and providing new tourism accommodation. I am really looking forward to supporting more great projects this year.”
Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Deputy Leader at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council says: “It is great to be able to announce that we have secured additional funding to continue the West Kent Rural Grant Scheme, which has supported 31 local businesses and communities across the borough of Tunbridge Wells over the past 12 months.
“This is the final year of the Rural England Prosperity Fund, and I would urge businesses and communities across the borough not to miss out on the opportunity to access up to £20,000 capital funding.
“This is flexible funding and can be used for a range of capital initiatives to grow a business or improve community, heritage, and tourist facilities.”
Notes to editors
The grants are funded by the Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund. Locally, the Rural England Prosperity Fund is administered by the West Kent Partnership, comprising Sevenoaks District Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
ENDS
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